Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid: What do Liverpool fans think as social media backlash bites

There have been few transfer sagas in recent history that have divided fan opinion quite like this.

“[I] can’t believe the negativity directed towards Trent Alexander-Arnold and his potential move away from Liverpool,” former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock wrote on X.

“I’ve seen comments like ‘he should be ashamed’ and he’s ‘not loyal to the club’. [They] are deluded.

“He’s entitled to make his own choices and challenge himself in a different league and different country. He’s won everything with LFC, been an incredible servant to the club and should be given a great send off by the fans.”

Part of the issue for Alexander-Arnold is the inevitable comparison to Steven Gerrard, a local lad who turned down opportunities to leave the club and improve his chances of winning team and individual honours.

“It completely tarnishes his image,” Liverpool fan Rory told BBC Sport.

“He was supposed to follow in Stevie’s [Gerrard] footsteps and become the captain, a Liverpool icon. Instead, he’s decided to pursue personal glory and made a mockery of his previous declarations of loyalty.”

Richard said: “What hurts the most is that he’s run down his contract to go for free. A player that not all that long ago wanted to become club captain and now doesn’t care that we won’t even get a fee to help replace him.”

Keith told BBC Sport: “I’m just wondering what colour we should paint the wall where his mural is painted. Any legacy as a Liverpool legend was tenuous in the first place, but he isn’t good enough as a defender to achieve that anyway.”

On the other side of the debate, Liverpool supporter Stew said: “I hold nothing against Trent leaving. He’s given his all and won everything with the club. The biggest crime is [the club] letting him go on a free.”

Jonathan told BBC Sport: “Real represents something unique for English players, as so few have had that opportunity.

“Trent has been a brilliant servant for Liverpool, and playing for Real Madrid could help him develop into an even more amazing player.”

Gary argued: “Surely Liverpool fans should be directing their ire at the owners and management who have allowed a homegrown player to get to the point where he can leave for nothing, rather than the player for accepting an offer from another club when Liverpool have done little to try to get him to stay?”

Alex said: “Football is a business and players rise and fall and new ones come. You can see why the club might be keen to cut a few big salaries to finance some up and coming talent.”

Other fans use the departures of Fernando Torres, Michael Owen and Luis Suarez to argue Liverpool will do just fine without Alexander-Arnold.

“No player is bigger than the club,” says Jed. “Liverpool have always managed to replace players without a lot of fuss.”

Liverpool return to action against Everton in the Merseyside derby on 2 April, though Alexander-Arnold is likely to miss out because of an ankle injury.

If he does play again this season, all eyes will be on his reception from fans who have idolised him over the past nine years.