Details of Arnold s failure in contract negotiations are exposed, Liverpool makes every effort to keep them, but Arnold leaves with great deliberation

Trent Alexander Arnold has confirmed that he will leave this summer after playing for Liverpool for 20 years, and the star is expected to join Real Madrid in the transfer window.

Last summer, Richard Hughes called Trent Alexander Arnold the first call after agreeing to be Liverpool's sports director. Hughes officially joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in June 2024, and he regarded keeping Alexander Arnold at the club as one of his top priorities.

The 26-year-old Liverpool defender entered the last 12 months of his contract, like his teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk. But unlike these two, Alexander Arnold chose not to sign a new contract, but was preparing to join Real Madrid.

Before Hughes arrived, negotiations about his future had begun. Last season, Liverpool contacted Alexander Arnold and began negotiations with his representatives, while club owner Fenway Sports Group started related conversations earlier.

According to the Mirror football news, these negotiations are constructive. The offer from Liverpool could have made Alexander Arnold the highest-paid right-back in the Premier League and one of the world's highest-paid defenders.

Alexander Arnold informed the club he had played for 20 years and wanted to face new challenges. European champion Real Madrid expressed interest in the England international on New Year's Eve, but Liverpool firmly rejected their request.

Anfield's top leaders still hold hope, they believe that they can convince Alexander Arnold to stay because in early January, the Reds were still fighting on the four fronts and were a big favorite to win the Premier League title. Hughes later had his last meeting with the 26-year-old but failed to retain him. Alexander Arnold told Liverpool coach Arne Slott about his decision a few weeks ago.

At 10 a.m. Tuesday, Alexander Arnold announced the news to the world. “After spending 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, I will leave after the end of this season,” he said in a video posted on social media.

"I think this decision is for personal reasons. To change the environment, challenge myself elsewhere. It's not about finding something better. It's about my personal journey as a player. I feel that now is the right time to experience this change.

"People may not be happy with this decision, but I feel that this is something I have to do in my own journey and career. The time I spent here, the memories and those special moments, are now and in the future, the most special moments in my life. These memories will always be with me.

"I am forever grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way. Being able to sit here as a two-time Premier League champion member of this club I have loved since childhood was a great ending for me. Of course, it was very emotional for me. It was everything I knew, something I always wanted to do, a dream I was a kid.

"To be honest, it was really touching because this club, this city, the fans and the people here gave me something I could never dream of. You know, it's a journey that millions of people dream of going through. I was lucky enough to experience it all.

"I will never forget all this, and I am grateful for the support, trust and the wonderful moments we have together. My love for this club will never fade away and will never diminish. I will always love it, and I will always be grateful for everything the club and the fans have done for me.

"I will be back without a doubt. I will come back to watch the game whenever I have the chance. I will support the team, I hope the club can win, I hope the club can succeed. This will not change. I will always be a Liverpool fan. ”