Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed disappointment over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s announcement that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old right-back, whose contract expires in June, revealed earlier this week that he would depart Anfield—a decision he described as “easily the hardest” of his life. Alexander-Arnold has been with Liverpool since his youth and is widely expected to join Spanish giants Real Madrid after helping the club secure the Premier League title.
Slot, who has only communicated with Alexander-Arnold via WhatsApp so far, said he plans to speak with him directly on Friday to discuss how he’s handling the public reaction, which has been mixed.
“Like all Liverpool fans, we’re disappointed to see him go,” said Slot on Friday. “He’s not just a fantastic player but also a great person.”
Drawing on his experience managing clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, Slot said he’s familiar with the cycle of top players moving on.
“I’ve seen many great players leave, but in most cases, someone else steps up — and that will happen here too,” he added.
Liverpool will face second-placed Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday in what promises to be a key fixture in the title race.