T. Alexander-Arnold's decision: are the "Liverpool" fans right or should we even judge them at all?

2025-05-24 13:46 © AP

We live in a time when Liverpool fans are against the whole world. The "cult" of Liverpool fans stands against all the other football enthusiasts who believe that Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer to Real is nothing wrong.

Simply nothing wrong. Having spent 20 years at one club, the Englishman decided to embark on a new career venture – moving to Real Madrid, which many players have dreamed of.

However, in this situation, what annoys Liverpool fans the most is the fact that he is leaving for free. He is leaving for a club that has posed and will continue to pose competition to their club in the Champions League; he is leaving after all the rumors that circulated throughout the season turned out to be true, but that’s how things happen in the real world. Should we be angry about it?

On Friday, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had a very pertinent and straightforward quote: "I can't say I am not disappointed that T. Arnold is leaving this team... But don't forget how much he gave to this team. As soon as I heard the whistles, I turned on my TV. I couldn't be more disappointed. That's not us."

Another leader of the Reds from the past decade, Mohamed Salah, is not angry about Trent's decision either. He stated: "We shouldn't react like that. We always appreciate players who come here, even for six months. Imagine a player who has given 20 years."

Again, it is normal to be angry in such a situation. It is normal to feel anger, but what has transpired regarding Trent in the last month, even after Liverpool had a fantastic season, is not normal.

The academy graduate who dedicated 20 years to the club was whistled at the match against Arsenal. A match that was supposed to be celebratory turned sour only because of the principle of the Liverpool fans who, according to them, a player should not leave for another team, let alone to Real, which, I will repeat, many dream of.

Perhaps Arne Slot would still let Trent play a few matches, but that is practically impossible. Even in an away game, he would be whistled at by his own fans – a player who dedicated 20 years to the club.

Let's say that leaving the club for free is a bad thing for the club's finances, but seeing the current situation, the Reds have enough money, and after such a setback, it shouldn't concern the fans too much. After all, Liverpool would not want to sell this player if he had a contract. For any club, it would be extraordinarily difficult to buy such a caliber defender under contract. It is normal to want to change the environment, to try something in another place when you have achieved everything and have been loved and respected in your current workplace, up until a certain moment of decision.

The situation is well summarized by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher. In his opinion, no one should explain how Liverpool fans should feel, but whistling is unforgivable.

"Personally, I think any player who has worn the red jersey and battled for trophies should not be whistled at. Whistling one of your players while he is playing is not something I like," said the former defender.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's last match with Liverpool will be against Brighton. After that, there will be a title parade in the city of Liverpool. Will the defender be whistled at? Most likely. But why is that necessary? Why?