Liverpool supporters are facing quite a bit of criticism over their reactions to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club. However, many pundits seem to be missing the point when it comes to understanding the root cause of this discontent.
Alan Shearer, voicing his views on ‘The Rest is Football,’ expressed confusion about the backlash, saying, “I don’t get the criticism. He’s free to make his own choices. Trent has given that club everything. Sure, he’s earned a good salary, but he’s won all there is to win. If he wants to test himself elsewhere, like with Real Madrid, that’s his prerogative.”
Shearer went on to highlight that Liverpool previously rejected an offer for him in January, noting that they could have profited then. “He’s played approximately 350 games and has always given his all. He deserves a proper send-off,” Shearer added.
It appears Shearer believes that fans are upset for financial reasons, which only partially explains the bitterness.
Interestingly, Liverpool fans are drawing flak for how they’ve reacted to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. As seen in a photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images, the winger leaving the team bus has become somewhat iconic.
Paul Merson seems to share Shearer’s sentiment that the frustration aimed at Alexander-Arnold is misplaced. History shows, as with Raheem Sterling and Fernando Torres, that receiving a transfer fee doesn’t always soothe the sting of a player leaving.
Alexander-Arnold’s decision to let his contract run out, instead of securing a transfer fee for the club, undoubtedly plays a role in the discontent. What stings even more is hearing reports of him turning down more lucrative offers from Liverpool compared to what’s available in Spain. Many fans feel betrayed, especially considering how the club shielded him from transfer rumors.
What really hits home is that he’s one of our own, a local lad who once spoke about captaining the club and being a loyal one-club man. At 26, he was on the verge of fulfilling those dreams, with Liverpool on the brink of a Premier League title. As vice-captain, just behind the 33-year-old Virgil van Dijk, he was living the dream he once shared with his fans.
Yet, Trent opted to run down his contract and head to Spain. He’s fully entitled to do that, but after professing a desire to follow in Stevie Gerrard’s footsteps, leaving like this feels like a bit of a betrayal.
To hear Shearer’s full take on Alexander-Arnold, check out The Rest Is Football on YouTube starting at 10:27.
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