Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool, the club he has been at since the age of six, he said on social media platform X on Monday, calling it the hardest decision of his life.
He has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, who reportedly made an offer for the England defender just before the January transfer window opened.
Born in Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold rose through the youth ranks to become one of the best right-backs in the world, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with the English team.
“This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years,” Alexander-Arnold said in his statement. “From the academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.
“But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.”
The 26-year-old frequently played in a hybrid midfield role for Liverpool in recent seasons, operating as a full-back when out of possession but moving into midfield during attacks.
