Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has offered a bold take on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club this summer.
The England international confirmed his expected intention to move on from Anfield at the start of May as he ends a two-decade association with the Premier League champions.
Alexander-Arnold came through the Reds youth ranks and developed into a fan favourite and one of the world’s leading full-backs.
However, the 26-year-old opted against signing a renewal with Arne Slot’s side, as he looks for a ‘new challenge’ away from English football.
That is expected to be a free transfer move to Real Madrid with Los Blancos aiming to secure a free transfer agreement before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup in June.
Alexander-Arnold’s current Liverpool deal runs until June 30 with the clubs in talks over a resolution to speed up his arrival in Madrid.
His decision to leave has whipped up a mixed fan reaction and the Liverpool-born was booed by some sections of the Anfield crowd after coming on in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal on May 11.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah both opted to sign renewals until 2027, as part of a major coup for the club, but Alexander-Arnold was not convinced.
What did Van Dijk say about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit?
Both Salah and Van Dijk were in the same situation as Alexander-Arnold, with their previous contracts also running out at the end of June, but the veteran duo were persuaded to stay.
The pressure of Real Madrid will be a real test of Trent’s resilience and Van Dijk hinted Anfield remains the best place.
“You can’t compare our situation – me and Mo in this case – with Trent. I’m happy and proud to extend because for me there’s no other place to be at this point,” as per quotes from The Independent.
“He made his decision and is at peace with it. We’re gutted he’s not here with us next year because he’s a fantastic player, with outstanding, exceptional qualities that we’ve all been seeing over the last seven years I’ve been here.
“[Trent and I did not discuss his contract]Â I was sorting my own stuff out, I had to secure my future as well and I was quite busy doing that. There was a lot of noise saying I had decided months ago but that wasn’t the case.
“I think a month ago we came to an agreement before I signed. I’m not the youngest any more and I have a family to provide for. I don’t want to be left in the dark.
“There were loads of other options but Liverpool is the place for me.”
Van Dijk also reiterated his confidence that Liverpool will make key signings over the summer, with targets already in place, and the Dutch international hinted the names mentioned played a role in his call to extend.
Liverpool FC news and related links
