I still can't believe it. After 21 bloody years at Anfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold is walking away. Just like that. When I saw the announcement this morning, I practically spat my coffee across my laptop.
But here's the kicker - he told Slot he was leaving TWO MONTHS ago. Two! While we've all been speculating about his future, the decision was already made back in March during teh international break.
The Office Showdown Nobody Knew About
According to The Athletic (who somehow always get these scoops before anyone else), TAA had a private meeting with Slot at Liverpool's Kirkby training complex. Picture this: Trent nursing an ankle injury that kept him out of Tuchel's first England squad, walking into the manager's office to drop this bombshell.
Apparently, he looked Slot straight in the eye and said he needed to "step out of his comfort zone" and was leaving. God. Can you imagine being Slot in that moment? Just a few months into the job and your star right-back tells you he's off.
What the hell happened with his contract?
This is the part that's making fans furious. Alexander-Arnold is walking away for FREE. Let that sink in. A player worth £80+ million... leaving without Liverpool getting a penny.
The Athletic says Trent expected contract talks to start before the 2023-24 season. They never did. The club went through that weird period where Julian Ward quit after just one year (still don't understand what happened there), and then they brought in Schmadtke temporarily who apparently couldn't be bothered with sorting contracts.
Poor Richard Hughes. Imagine starting as sporting director and immediately being told one of your best players is already mentally gone.
Slot's surprisingly chill response
I would've expected some Dutch fury, but apparently Slot just said: "You're a huge part of this team and let's end it on a high together."
Professional to the end, that guy.
The promise that makes this even sadder...
Trent's response is what breaks my heart a little. He promised Slot: "My mindset and commitment won't change. I'll continue to give everything for this club until the final day."
And honestly? He has. The lad's been playing his heart out while knowing he's leaving. That takes some serious character.
What's really impressive is how he kept it quiet. Back in 2018, I remember how Philippe Coutinho's transfer saga completely derailed Liverpool's season. Trent didn't want that. He specifically kept everything under wraps so the team could focus on chasing that 20th league title.
So... where's he going?
My mate who works at Anfield (and who owes me £50 from our last bet on the derby) says it's Madrid. Has to be. They've been circling like vultures for months.
Listen. Twenty-one years at one club. From the academy to world-class status. And now he's walking away at just 26, right in his prime.
I'm gutted.
The story's still developing, and I'll update this with more details as they emerge. Until then, I'll be in the corner quietly mourning the end of an era while wondering if anyone in the Liverpool boardroom is getting fired over this contract mess-up.
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External Links
How To
How To Sharpen Your Football Shooting Technique
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