Liverpool’s 1–0 win over Real Madrid in their latest European clash gave Reds fans plenty of fuel to question Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Anfield. The former right-back, who spent his entire career with Liverpool before signing with the 15-time Champions League winners, has faced criticism from fans who feel betrayed—but others can fully understand his desire to try something new.
“Liverpool fans are incredibly passionate,” said former Red Jermaine Pennant in an interview with AS via NewBettingOffers.co.uk. “Of course they didn’t like seeing him go, but the flip side is that he gave everything to the club. He came up through the ranks, won two Premier League titles and a Champions League. Would they have had that success without him? He’s been a phenomenal player. But there comes a time when a player wants a new challenge, and the chance to play for Real Madrid isn’t something most players get—it’s almost impossible to turn down.”
Pennant acknowledged the emotional toll on fans: “They feel like he abandoned the club, the city, and the supporters. I get why they’re upset. No one wants to see a star player leave, especially one who’s been there so long. But I also appreciate the fans who thanked him and wished him well in Madrid.”
Difficult start to life in Madrid
So far, Trent’s transition to life in Spain hasn’t gone smoothly. Between underwhelming performances at the Club World Cup and lingering physical issues that kept him sidelined for weeks, Madridistas are still waiting to see the best of their new No. 12. As of the 2025–2026 season, he’s started just three of six matches, logging only 165 minutes on the pitch.
Still, Pennant remains confident: “Trent has the kind of talent that will shine at the Bernabéu. And despite the fierce competition in England’s backline, I believe he’ll win over Thomas Tuchel and make the squad for next summer’s World Cup in Canada, the US, and Mexico.”
Trent and Jude at next summer’s World Cup
Pennant pointed to the challenges elite players face when switching clubs: “We’re seeing it now with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz at Liverpool. Moving to a new team—especially in a different country with a new language—is tough. Trent’s out of his comfort zone. Everything’s different: the lifestyle, teammates, coaching style, even the football philosophy. It’s taking longer than fans hoped, but once he settles in, we’ll see the real Trent.”
The man who wore the Liverpool shirt 81 times between 2006 and 2008 hopes that “Jude Bellingham will be one of England’s key players at the World Cup” and that “Trent will be called up, because there is no other right-back in the world who can do what he does.”
His creativity and passing ability are, for Jermaine Pennant, “unmatched.” “I hope they’re both on the plane. Bellingham is one of England’s most influential players and I don’t see why Thomas Tuchel would leave him out of the squad again,” the former England player concludes.
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