Liverpool fans urge Slot to bench Arnold, strip vice-captaincy as RMA circle

Liverpool fans have hit out at Trent Alexander-Arnold after he edged closer to joining Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold, 26, has been the subject of intense speculation for much of this season, with the defender - alongside Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah - out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool have remained in negotiations with all three stars, but no breakthrough has been made as the months tick by, and the trio were able to speak to overseas clubs about joining on a free transfer from January.

Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with Real throughout the saga over his future and the Spanish giants had a £20million bid rejected for the 26-year-old in January.

And on Tuesday, Mail Sport reported Real remain confident of signing Alexander-Arnold this summer on a free – with sources in Spain suggesting the move is ‘all set and done’.

The news comes as a major blow to Liverpool and several fans were subsequently left fuming at their homegrown defender.

In fact, many took to social media to express their outrage and claimed that Arne Slot should now freeze Alexander-Arnold out for the remainder of 2024-25.

One said: 'Personally I’d be dropping Trent for the rest of the season. Don’t let him be part of the end of the season. Don’t let him say his goodbyes.

'Don’t even have him on the bench. Don’t let him be part of the title celebrations or parade. Let him watch the team from home.'

Another fuming supporter agreed and added: 'Don’t let him play another game. Don’t even let him in Anfield when we lift the title.'

An extra fan chimed in with: 'Bench Trent for the rest of the season,' with a further supporter saying: 'Does Trent start in the rest of the 9 games? I know he is injured but will he ever play for LFC again? I don't think so.'

Alexander-Arnold's potential departure is a significant blow to Liverpool as not only has he risen through the ranks, but he is viewed as one of the best full backs in the world.

After joining their academy at the age of six, the defender made his debut as an 18-year-old in an EFL Cup tie against Tottenham in 2018.

He has since gone onto rack up 349 appearances and has been a cornerstone in Liverpool's immense success over recent years.

Across his time at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold has scored 22 goals and added 87 assists.

Meanwhile, the defender - who has won eight trophies with his boyhood club - was appointed as vice-captain in the summer of 2023.

In recent times, he has been challenged in his position by Conor Bradley and several fans felt that Alexander-Arnold should be superseded by the Northern Irishman in the remaining games this season - while they also called for him to be stripped of the vice-captaincy.

'I said it before I’d give Bradley (if he’s fit) every single last minute on that pitch and let Trent sit on the bench for the remainder,' one fan quipped.

'Wouldn’t be surprised if Trent never played again for @LFC (regardless of his fitness),' another fan added.

'Won it all but leaving to Madrid on a free don’t sit right with me. Can see a backlash incoming. Was quoted wanting to be our captain at the start of the season.'

Meanwhile, a final supporter said: 'Serious talk. Slot should give the vice captaincy to someone else and Trent should hold the bench for the rest of the season.

'Bradley is the starter now. If you don’t want to wear the badge anymore, you shouldn’t continue playing, it’s that simple.'

Mail Sport had reported back in December that Real were certain Alexander-Arnold would be their man and were planning for life with the England international in their team.

That confidence has only intensified since then, although sources close to Liverpool do suggest that they have had no indication yet that any deal has been completed.

Real Madrid have been legally permitted to talk to Alexander-Arnold since January 1 — and have been doing so — as his contract at Anfield expires in June.

Mail Sport understands those in the Spanish capital have long expected Alexander-Arnold to join but Florentino Perez was keen to respect Liverpool so did not want to make any news public.

But sources in Madrid reckon completing a move is now a matter of a formality at this stage.