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When Trent Alexander-Arnold told Arne Slot he wanted to leave Liverpool face to face as he’s set to join Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid and it’s safe to say that the West Derby-born right-back will bid adieu to Liverpool on a high note as a two-time Premier League winner.
Just a season after being handed the vice-captaincy by Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool defender has announced his exit in what has been a surprising turn of events.
Conor Bradley will replace Alexander-Arnold and while Arne Slot will be focused on life beyond the 26-year-old, it will be a tall task to replace his presence on the pitch and within the hearts of the supporters.
Liverpool offered Alexander-Arnold a lucrative deal to become the highest-paid English player in the Premier League but his heart was set on a move to Real Madrid — as Richard Hughes and Co have done all they could to convince him to stay.
But even so, Trent Alexander-Arnold must have been struggling to make his mind up about what is the biggest decision he has taken in his career.
- READ MORE: Jordan Henderson shares instant reaction after hearing Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold told Arne Slot he wanted Liverpool exit in March
However, during the March international break, reported that Alexander-Arnold held a face to face conversation with Arne Slot about his desire to sign for Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold informed Arne Slot that his decision to play for Real Madrid was down to his desire to venture out of his comfort zone and try his hand at a new step in his career.
The Liverpool boss was understandably disappointed upon hearing the Englishman’s admission.
However, Arne Slot assured Alexander-Arnold that he remains a key part of his side until he moves to Real Madrid.
With Alexander-Arnold being the Liverpool great he is, the Champions League winner promised the Dutchman that his commitment to excelling in a red shirt will remain sky-high.
Liverpool thought Alexander-Arnold would renew his contract but once Real Madrid come calling, players are naturally lured to exploring life in the Spanish capital.
The demand made by Real Madrid Trent Alexander-Arnold instantly accepted
Alexander-Arnold accepted Real Madrid’s wage demands of not being one of their highest-paid players, which shows that his decision to leave Arne Slot’s Liverpool side is not financially-driven at all.
Fabrizio Romano revealed in March: “My understanding from Real Madrid’s side is that this [Alexander-Arnold’s wages] is not going to be a salary as one of the best-paid players at Real Madrid. Vinicius is negotiating a new deal, [Kylian] Mbappe joined one year ago, Jude Bellingham is on an important contract, it’s not going to be on that part of the contract strategy at Real Madrid. It’s going to be obviously a very good salary, but not a crazy salary.”
“This is an important point. For Real Madrid, it was very clear since day one. They told very clearly to Trent already when they had the first conversations – ‘if you want to join, it has to be on our terms. Otherwise, you can extend at Liverpool or do whatever you want’. Real Madrid were very clear on this point.”
“This was the message to Trent and Trent immediately accepted.”