Following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s high-profile move to Real Madrid, Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has finally broken his silence, sharing his thoughts on the defender’s controversial departure from Anfield.

The 75-year-old Liverpool chief expressed disappointment over how the situation unfolded, stating that the club’s senior leadership was disheartened to see Trent run down his contract and leave his boyhood club for what many consider a shockingly low fee of just £10 million.

Real Madrid could have waited to secure the England international on a free transfer, but instead opted to pay the modest fee to ensure Trent Alexander-Arnold was registered in time for the FIFA Club World Cup — a decision that highlights the urgency and value they place on integrating one of world football’s best right-backs into their squad.

We respect Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Decision to move on – Liverpool chairman Tom Werner

In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool chairman Tom Werner opened up about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, offering both gratitude and heartfelt reflection on the right-back’s impact during his time at Anfield.
Source: Liverpool Echo

Werner revealed that Liverpool’s senior leadership was deeply ‘thankful’ for the role Trent played in the club’s recent era of success, calling him a key figure in one of the most decorated periods in Liverpool’s modern history.

“We do respect the fact that Trent has moved on. I told someone recently this story about seeing Trent on the last weekend of the season with Billy [Hogan, chief executive], and I just wanted him to know from me personally that we are — and were — as a club thankful for all his contributions,” said Werner.

He recalled a touching moment shared with Trent, who showed him a photo of himself as a seven-year-old at the Liverpool academy — a reminder of the boy who rose through the ranks to become one of the Premier League’s most creative and dominant right-backs.

“I have a lot of fondness for all that he has done. It’s time for him to move, and time for us to replace him. We do wish him well. I understand the emotions of supporters who were disappointed — and we were disappointed too — but those feelings are overshadowed by my wonderful memories of him.”

Still Reminiscing on Trent Alexander-Arnold Assist to Origi

As Trent Alexander-Arnold bid farewell to Anfield, he left a heartfelt message for Liverpool supporters, expressing hope that fans would one day truly recognize the impact he had on the club. That recognition didn’t take long — it was led from the very top by Liverpool chairman Tom Werner.

Werner fondly recalled one of Trent’s most iconic moments in a Liverpool shirt: his lightning-quick thinking and audacious corner assist to Divock Origi against Barcelona in the unforgettable 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final.

That moment of brilliance — which helped Liverpool overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit and eventually reach the final — has since become etched in football history. Speaking on the memory, Werner said:

“I’ll never forget that pass he made, the corner he took, for the fourth goal against Barcelona. That was just a work of genius. As a football fan, watching some of his assists — the way he would pass the ball 30-plus yards to a specific point and create a goal — was just… no wonder Real Madrid are delighted.”

It’s moments like these that define Trent Alexander-Arnold’s legacy at Liverpool — not just as a right-back, but as one of the most intelligent and visionary players of his generation.

Sure enough Real Madrid were delighted

Real Madrid used a clip showing Trent Alexander-Arnold taking the corner quickly against Barcelona – they were surely delighted to bring the right back to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid firmly believe they’ve signed the best right-back in the world — and they’ve backed that belief with action.

According to trusted transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants have inserted a jaw-dropping €1 billion release clause into Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract.

This staggering clause not only reflects the club’s long-term confidence in the England international, but also underscores just how highly Real Madrid value their new signing. For a player who redefined the modern full-back role at Liverpool, the move to the Santiago Bernabéu is as bold as it is historic.

Contract Situation Remained Unclear for long

Many football fans — especially within the Liverpool faithful — are still struggling to understand how the club’s senior leadership and owners allowed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation to spiral out of control. For a player of his calibre, entering the final stages of his deal without a clear extension plan was a baffling oversight.

Negotiations for a contract renewal only began near the tail end of his deal — far too late for a player regarded by many as the best right-back in world football. Did anyone seriously believe that top European clubs wouldn’t pounce on such a golden opportunity?

According to The Athletic, the prolonged delay in addressing his future — especially amid growing interest from Real Madrid — led Trent Alexander-Arnold to “question how much” Liverpool truly wanted to keep him. That hesitation may have been the beginning of the end for a generational talent at Anfield.

Trent Alexander Arnold – the best right back in the world

Real Madrid are convinced they’ve pulled off a masterstroke — a major coup that saw them sign the best right-back in the world for what many consider a shockingly low fee. For a player of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pedigree, the transfer has been hailed as one of the most strategic deals in recent memory.

In our feature article on Big Game Big Player — Real Madrid Unveils Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Best Right-Back — we break down why his incredible career at Liverpool cements his status not only as the world’s top right-back today, but also as one of the top three in Premier League history.

Conclusion

While changes in coaching and sporting director roles occurred during the prolonged handling of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract, Liverpool chairman Tom Werner did not address one glaring issue — how senior leadership and club owners, who remained in place throughout, failed to act before the situation became critical.

Did Liverpool’s top decision-makers underestimate the risk of losing a generational talent? Were they too slow to respond to one of the most pivotal contract situations in recent club history? These are the questions many fans are now asking.

We take a deep dive into this pressing issue in our latest article: Are Liverpool Senior Chiefs to Blame for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Exit?