Trent Alexander-Arnold explains Real Madrid call amid Andy Robertson uncertainty
It will be all change for Premier League champions Liverpool next season, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher already agreeing moves away from Anfield
Liverpool have been among the busier Premier League clubs in the early part of the summer transfer window. Trent Alexander-Arnold has left for Real Madrid, with Jeremie Frimpong arriving in his stead, and that's just the start.
Giorgi Mamardashvili's arrival from Valencia was already confirmed, and the Georgian's move to Anfield means Caoimhin Kelleher's time on Merseyside has come to an end. The Irishman has moved to Brentford, who themselves have lost Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen.
Arne Slot led Liverpool to Premier League glory in his first season in charge, but is under no illusions about how tough it will be to defend the title. For starters, Manchester City have been very active in the early part of the window with the likes of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki coming on board.
Alexander-Arnold's move to Spain may well be Liverpool's highest-profile departure this summer. The defender spoke at an official unveiling on Thursday, shedding more light on the switch.
We've got more on Alexander-Arnold's move, as well as the latest on the future of his fellow full-back Andy Robertson. Here are Mirror Football 's latest lines from around Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold opens up on move
Trent Alexander-Arnold has denied Jude Bellingham was the driving force behind his move to Real Madrid. Rather, he suggests manager and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso convinced him to trade Anfield for the Bernabeu.
'I've spoken to Xabi few times," the right-back said. "I told him he was an idol of mine growing up, so to work with him is a dream come true. I'm very excited to be here. Whether you support the club or not, you have to respect the history.'
Discussing Bellingham's role, he added: "We spoke but it wasn't what people thought. A lot of people think he played a huge part in me coming here but, to be honest, the club speaks for itself. It was a huge opportunity for me and it felt like the right time as well.'
Robertson makes future admission
Andy Robertson has been in conversation with Liverpool over a contract extension but is unsure what lies ahead. The Scotland international has been the Reds' first-choice left-back for a number of years, but that could change with the anticipated arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
'We have discussed [my future], of course we have," Robertson told Sky Sports News at his AR26 Charity day. "We've had good discussions, me and the club, but what the future holds, I'm not sure.
'All I know is I fly off on holiday and it's well needed. I need a rest after a long season, and then I look forward to pre-season. That's all my focus is. I can't look too far ahead, I never have done that so I'm not going to start doing that now. I know the position I'm in, I know I've only got a year left."
Alexander-Arnold's squad number choice
Trent Alexander-Arnold will wear the number 12 in his first season as a Real Madrid player. He will also wear just his first name on his back, after having his surname adorn the shirt while at Liverpool.
La Liga's rules mean first-team players are only allowed to wear a number between 1 and 25. The most famous recent wearer of the number 12 shirt at the Bernabeu is Marcelo, the Brazilian full-back who played more than 500 times across a decade and a half with the club.
"I'm looking forward to showing my game to the Real Madrid fans; I know it's a huge responsibility," Alexander-Arnold said - in Spanish - during his unveiling. "I want to play with the best in the world, give it my all, and win every title possible. Hala Madrid!"
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