Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman has claimed that the reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s likely exit has been “unfair”, which Reds supporters may not appreciate.
The 53-year-old traded Anfield for Real Madrid back in the summer of 1999, leaving on a free transfer and tainting his legacy, having been one of the best players at the club in the 1990s.
Now, it looks as though Alexander-Arnold is heading the same way, with a switch to Madrid at the end of this season looking all but certain.
Speaking to BBC Sport, McManaman provided his thoughts on the situation, showing his support for Liverpool’s vice-captain in the process.
“If he does choose to go to Real Madrid and he does choose to forge a new adventure with a new language and a new lifestyle, all credit to him,” McManaman said.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for him, if he does go, and no doubt he will be a superstar there as well.”
“It’s unfair [to expect homegrown players to commit to one club for their entire career]. If Van Dijk or Salah leave, then it it is Liverpool’s fault. If Trent was to leave, then it is Trent’s fault.”
Will Trent’s Liverpool legacy be tainted?
Plenty of Liverpool fans will be irritated by McManaman’s comments, with so many frustrated that Alexander-Arnold is going to leave the Reds on a free transfer.
For the club to not receive a penny for him will leave a bad taste in the mouths of lots of supporters, not to mention the fact that he is essentially deciding to leave his boyhood team at the peak of his powers.
Others may be more understanding, in fairness, with the lure of Madrid undeniable, given their standing as arguably the biggest club in the world, with world-class players littered over the pitch.
Assuming Alexander-Arnold does leave, though, there is no doubt that his legacy will be hurt forever, with many finding it hard to call him a legend.
The hope was that he would emulate his hero Steven Gerrard and spend the rest of his career at Liverpool, but he looks to have made his decision.
