Simon Jordan: Liverpool fans' demand for TAA is "ridiculous" amid Real transfer

Simon Jordan insists it is ridiculous for Trent Alexander-Arnold to be expected to spend his entire career at Liverpool.

The right-back came through the system at Anfield but is looking increasingly like he will leave the Premier League leaders for a new challenge in Spain. His contract is winding down and Real Madrid are circling with their opening offer rejected by the Reds.

Alexander-Arnold's contract has been allowed to run down and the 26-year-old is considering his options, with the lure of Real potentially too good to turn down. His attachment to the club has added more emotion to the saga and he's drawn comparisons to former players.

Steven Gerrard chose to turn down lucrative offers to head elsewhere whilst Steve McManaman did chose to make a move to Madrid, winning several Champions Leagues in the process, and the ex-Crystal Palace owner maintains Alexander-Arnold cannot be expected to stay loyal to Liverpool forever.

He told the Daily Mail: "Though a lot of Reds fans are unhappy at their local hero contemplating a life away from Anfield, Liverpool’s potential loss could be the country’s gain. Being a member of the Madrid superstar club has not done Jude Bellingham any harm, has it? For Trent, Real Madrid is a huge opportunity and I wouldn’t blame him for taking it.

"Trent has had a full apprenticeship at Liverpool, rightly received accolades as a Premier League and Champions League winner, and earned the right to choose if his destiny lies abroad. If he moves, there would be a backlash from some quarters who seem to expect any homegrown talent to spend their entire career with one club, which is ridiculous in this day and age."

"British players have had mixed success overseas, but Trent looks a good fit. He’s a natural ball player, so his skills will transfer. Spanish teams don’t tend to press as much in the final third, making it easier to maximise his brilliant range of passing."

Alexander-Arnold has remained silent on his future, unlike team-mate Mohamed Salah, who has been willing to discuss the state of affairs regarding his contract saga. The right-back has continued to perform as the Reds set the pace, with Jordan keen to point that out.

"I understand why the Kop don’t want to lose one of their own," Jordan added. "They will question why Liverpool haven’t signed him up. I suspect the club’s inability to do so is beyond their control. It is unlike them not to at least monetise a departing star.

"Fans have to be realistic. Footballers are under contract and should be as loyal as that contract. I haven’t seen any sign of Alexander-Arnold downing tools."