Paul Merson does not understand why many Liverpool fans have turned on Trent Alexander-Arnold following the news that he is set to join Real Madrid this summer.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, has been at the Merseyside club since joining the youth academy back in 2004.
After breaking into the first-team in 2016, he has represented the Reds in 349 senior games and helped bring seven different pieces of silverware to Anfield.
However, his career with his local club will seemingly end on June 30 when his current contract expires.
It was widely reported earlier this week that Alexander-Arnold’s proposed move to Madrid had already been signed and sealed. While Mail Sport understands that this claim was premature, it is believed that both the player and Real Madrid are confident that a deal to take Alexander-Arnold from Anfield to the Bernabeu on a free transfer will go through once the season ends.
News of his impending departure has sparked anger among some Liverpool supporters, with the England right back becoming the subject of widespread abuse on social media, while one fan went as far as filming a video of themselves burning a shirt that was printed with ‘Alexander-Arnold 66’ on the back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid on a free transfer
An angry Liverpool fan took to TikTok this week to burn a shirt printed with the player’s name
But when asked about the outrage aimed at Alexander-Arnold, former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson told Sky Sports: ‘I don’t know what the problem is.
‘He’s come through there, he’s been unbelievable. He’s won everything in the game there, at Liverpool, and he’s going to go on a free.
‘Look at Antony, he’s just been bought by Man United for £80million [in 2022] and he’s now out on loan and no one says a dicky bird.
‘This lad has been absolutely outstanding for Liverpool. He hasn’t come in as a £60m flop. He’s been through the ranks, he’s come into the team, he’s been phenomenal. And… it’s Real Madrid. Do you know what I mean?
‘He’s won the league [in 2020]. He’s going to win the Premier League with Liverpool again [this season]. He’s won the Champions League [in 2019], and I don’t see a problem with it. I really don’t.
‘I don’t know anybody in the world of football who’s ever turned Real Madrid down, I don’t. Fair play to the lad, good luck to him.
‘I think Liverpool fans should be happy for him.
‘He’s given everything for that club, and I think he deserves that move, in my opinion.’
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson cannot understand why some fans have turned on Alexander-Arnold
Trent has won seven different trophies with Liverpool, including the UEFA Champions League
Former Blackburn and Celtic forward Chris Sutton has a similar view to Merson when it comes to the criticism aimed at Alexander-Arnold.
Sutton said on Mail Sport podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ earlier this week: ‘Just because Trent wants to leave, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have great affection for the club.
‘He has been there for more than 20 years. All in all, it’s his choice. I think with the backlash – do these people have a great understanding of football?
‘I think this criticism is coming from knuckleheads. He’s given great service to Liverpool. He’s won everything he can win with the club and now he wants to try something different.’
