This is just... I can't even. Real Madrid have some serious nerve, don't they? The Spanish giants have apparently asked Liverpool to let Trent Alexander-Arnold leave BEFORE his contract expires so he can play in their fancy Club World Cup. The audacity!
I was chatting with my mate Dave (lifelong Liverpool supporter) about this over a pint last night. His exact words: "They can get stuffed." Not exactly diplomatic, but sums up the feeling around Anfield right now.
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The Breakup Nobody Wanted
Let's be real. Trent's departure is already a knife to the heart for Liverpool fans. The lad's been at the club since he was six years old, for God's sake. And now Real Madrid want him early? Without paying a penny?
The Telegraph broke teh story yesterday, claiming Madrid contacted Liverpool after Trent announced he'd be leaving. Their plan? Get him embedded in the team before that 32-team Club World Cup kicks off on June 14th in America.
Apparently Florentino Perez (Madrid's president who never met a superstar he didn't want to parade around) is desperate to show off his shiny new toy before the tournament. Classic Perez move.
Would You Give Up a Month's Salary?
One detail that made me laugh out loud - the report suggests Trent might "forego the final month of his salary" to make this happen. Sure, because that's what normal people do, right? Just casually give up what must be hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Though I suppose when you're about to sign for Real Madrid, money isn't exactly your biggest concern.
The Boo Birds Were Out
Things got ugly at Anfield last Sunday. I was watching with my dad (who still has his 1984 European Cup Final ticket stub framed) when Trent came on against Arsenal.
Boos. Actual boos from some sections of the crowd.
Every touch. Every pass. Some fans made their feelings crystal clear. Twenty minutes of hostility aimed at a kid who came through the academy and helped bring home a Champions League and Premier League.
Football fans... we're a fickle bunch, aren't we?
Slot Tries to Play It Cool
Arne Slot handled the whole mess pretty well, I thought. After the match he told Sky: "In general and in life, the good thing about living in Europe is that everybody can have their opinion and that's the same here in Liverpool."
Translation: I'm not getting involved in this drama.
But he did defend his decision to bring Trent on, pointing out those "two or three incredible balls" he delivered. Classic Trent, even with boos raining down.
"I will always back my players," Slot added. "The ones that I lead, the ones that wear a red shirt. I will always back them, no matter what."
What Happens Now?
Liverpool hold all the cards here. They've got Trent's registration until June 30th, and I can't imagine they're feeling particularly generous toward Madrid right now.
Back in 2018, I remember Liverpool fans were furious when Barcelona swooped for Coutinho mid-season. This feels different though - at least Barca paid £142 million for Phil!
Madrid want Trent for FREE.
Listen. I've followed football long enough to know how this ends. Liverpool will probably tell Madrid to wait their turn, Trent will join up with his new teammates in July, and this whole saga will be forgotten by August when the new season starts.
But still... the nerve of some clubs.
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How To
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