Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘stirs up different emotions’ to Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk among Liverpool fans, says Steve McManaman
Published 06/05/2025 at 16:53 GMT+1
TNT Sports' Steve McManaman has given his take on why Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season has hit hard with some fans, but says he hopes the 26-year-old receives a fitting send-off as the champions bring the curtain down on their memorable Premier League campaign. Watch and stream the Premier League and UEFA Champions League on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Rewind back to 2021 when Alexander-Arnold ‘nearly ripped net off’ with absolute rocket
Video credit: TNT Sports
Steve McManaman says Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Liverpool "stirs up different emotions" to those that would have been felt had Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk opted not to sign new contracts.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed on social media that this would be his final season at his boyhood club, which he joined when he was just six years old, before coming through the academy and climbing the ranks into the first team.
He has played more than 350 times for The Reds, capturing eight trophies in that time, including two Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown in 2019.
But his time on Merseyside is drawing to a close. Where he goes from here is yet to be confirmed, but McManaman - who himself moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid during his own career - understands why his departure has hit harder with some fans than it might have done in the case of Salah or captain Van Dijk.
"I think football fans adore their clubs and they don't like anybody leaving on their own volition, really," McManaman told TNT Sports.
"Or they don't like certain people leaving off their own volition.
"You know, six months ago, I think people were actually fine if Mo Salah was going to leave, or if Virgil van Dijk was going to leave.
"But Trent leaving, I think it stirs up different emotions from people because he was born in Liverpool. I think it's as simple as that.
"I think if you’re born here, it's harder to leave. It's easy if the club want to sell you, but if you want to make the decision yourself, it's completely the other way.
"I know plenty of Scousers who Liverpool sold and nobody batted an eyelid, but as soon as Trent wants to leave himself, it stirs up a different type of emotion, which is entirely up to the people how they feel."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/05/05/image-ddd02a86-da48-45f7-800e-8b819b68340d-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Relive Alexander-Arnold’s most iconic Liverpool moment
Video credit: TNT Sports
McManaman added that Alexander-Arnold’s announcement "came as no surprise" and said he is "very proud" of him for his achievements to date and for taking the decision to move on and try something new.
And with just three games left of the Premier League season – two of which are at Anfield – McManaman hopes and expects the Liverpool faithful to give the 26-year-old a fitting farewell.
"I think the majority of fans appreciate what he's done for the club, appreciate he’s been at the club from the age of six, and appreciate the fact that he's a fantastic player," McManaman continued.
"He's leaving Liverpool when they’re at the top of the tree, when they're financially in a very healthy position, when they've got funds to buy and strengthen their team.
"He's got Conor Bradley behind him, another young lad who’s come through the academy hoping to improve and be a better player. So I certainly hope the majority of fans will be right behind him and give him the send-off he deserves.
- Liverpool ‘just getting started’ after Premier League triumph - Mac Allister
- Alexander-Arnold to sign five-year contract with Real Madrid – Paper Round
"Most players who have played at Liverpool have played abroad and have had numerous clubs. I think he absolutely deserves that right to do that.
"We all understand what football is like. I don't think everybody will be fully appreciative, but I think the majority of people should be very proud."
‘He’ll be a big miss’
Whatever happens next, Alexander-Arnold will leave a big void that needs to be filled. While he came in for criticism over his defensive displays at times, there are few full-backs who boast the same kind of creative threat going forward.
He has scored 23 goals and racked up 92 assists during his time in the first team, an output that will be tough to match.
However, it is not the first time Liverpool have dealt with the loss of a star player, and McManaman is in no doubt that the club will continue to "move forward" regardless.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/27/4113783-83413313-2560-1440.jpg)
Alexander-Arnold's best Champions League passes
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I think he'll be a big miss, because he's an incredible football player. But Liverpool have lost brilliant players all the time," McManaman added.
"Every football club has lost brilliant players along the way, and it's how you evolve, it's how you come forward, and it's how you stay successful. And Liverpool have been successful for the last 50 years, off and on.
"The great, great players have all left the club. John Barnes left the club, Ian Rush left the club, these are great players. They all went on to play for other teams.
"Robbie Fowler, great player, he wanted to stay at Liverpool, but they were quick enough to get him out the door to somebody else. The club stays strong, and the club moves forward, and it will move forward without Trent.
"Conor Bradley is a great player in waiting, and hopefully, if he gets his chance, he’ll stay fit and play and improve, and Liverpool will invest in the summer and strengthen the squad even more."
Watch and stream the Premier League and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement