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.
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.'
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.'
Nimabceory
0
this guy called Merson is angry with Liverpool, because his tiny club has never touched a champions league trophy and he will not certainly touch it for ever till the doomsday comes to him. inwardly he is regretting that he has never played for Liverpool am feeling very sorry for this poor man
Nimabceory
0
as usual Paul Merson is always foolish in that case I am not surprise at him at all, he always talks rubbish. And we know that he hates Liverpool club and its fans why? because Liverpool have 6 champions league trophies and 20 Premier league and he is so envy, so let him cry in his dark room
BLIMAN1974
0
players come and go. The club will remain. Just my opinion, he had given his all while with the club. He is looking for a new challenge and his own future. Nothing wrong there. At least,he didn't join MU or Everton.
Fecdemost
0
Merson you are wrong. Trent was a product of the academy. Anthony is not. At least make some money for the club and not free transfer for training you at the academy. Anyway at Real you will be just a number. Good luck to u. Money natters I guess. Not surprised fans are unhappy. Be a professional and not go out on free transfer because you want a high salary as no transfer fee. What goes around comes around.
Zohbeimort
0
Liverpool fans are not the same as Manu or Celtic or any other club fans. we are full of love and so concern about a player so mind your own business bro
bubbilopuz
0
immaturity is d problem shame to them
immaturity is trent's problem,playing the fanz instead of owning up his real intentions
GaddafiJamal
0
no one has turned real down. you really are an idiot Merson.
Who Lied To You? 🤣
tZar
0
£20 Million was offered.
tZar
0
Why would he leave on a free?? Why
tZar
0
Why would he leave on a free?? Why
pocabemoy
0
the problem is he is of the wrong colour. only certain are privileged to succeed. Im not a Liverpool fan but fully support you taa.go for it my brother. all the best
wicbmosyz
0
Why would he leave on a free?? Why
40 million signing bonus... he's basically getting the transfer fee for himself
soaadilnrs
0
Why would he leave on a free?? Why
Tukbdnrs
4
let him go, he's a player not a club and he is dropping each and every day
jasbdeksy
0
Sutton you are a knucklehead. putting fans down. we are entitled to free speech and say what we think. you don't seem to have a clue.
jasbdeksy
1
no one has turned real down. you really are an idiot Merson.
jasbdeksy
2
oh my god he a comparing Antony to taam is he drunk again.idiot
bouakmort
3
I think going for FREE is what makes Liverpool fans 😡😡😡.
ceoaeruyz
1
immaturity is d problem shame to them
Neadenpstu
0
traitor now. shut up Merton or you might be next
kadikmrsuz
1
We are now seeing the other side of football fans. Its not only liverpool fans but also from other teams. TAAgave his best years to liverpool and won everything there is to win for the club and fans but this is how they say Thanks to him!!!! Shame on those liverpool fans who are turning against TAA. This is the time to give him best wishes and blessings and more success at his new club. He is already a Legend for Liverpool in my books and i am not even a liverpool fan.. I salute you TAA.
gwufranko85
1
Liverpool Fan are so mean bro. Fernando Torres suffered same
gwufranko85
0
you can not compare Antony to Anold, my dear. Anton was a liability for ManU and Anold is an asset for Liverpool. he was our incoming Captain.
He didn't compare instead he was hailing Trent unlike Antony that came with huge price and couldn't prove anything.
MMMMTYTY1000
4
No problem Liverpool has conor bradley
Dohalmnotu
0
because he betrayed his own club, why going for free
you know why he is going for free most clubs in nowadays if a player signs a contract with them en then comes another team looking for the player that club makes it harder for the player to leave they become greedy they over price him so that the club looking for him ends giving up even although the player no longer want to play for the club they make him stay by force so better owner your contract en leave for free don't fight with anyone
Riyabdekpz
3
you can imagine what Arsenal fans will say, if Saka decides to leave today..
Riyabdekpz
2
you can not compare Antony to Anold, my dear. Anton was a liability for ManU and Anold is an asset for Liverpool. he was our incoming Captain.
raeaostyz
1
because he betrayed his own club, why going for free
We mustn't be too harsh on the boy, he cost us zero and provided a long service for relatively low wages. It's time to let him go and earn his money. We have a worthy replacement who given time will eclipse Trent in my opinion. Similar to how no one is mentioning Klopp too much and he only left last season. This is football.
YbTimmy
1
it's not like an unthinkable act... I mean look at Leny Yoro.. turned Madrid down for man united
/MADRIDISTA
0
because he betrayed his own club, why going for free
Real Madrid gave Liverpool 25M in January but Liverpool refused
hassankr
0
Traitor
tukcdstuy
0
because he betrayed his own club, why going for free
he won so much trophies for yall he jus wants a new challenge
viwbdmnor
3
because he betrayed his own club, why going for free