Trent Alexander-Arnold has recently confirmed his departure from Liverpool and is set to complete a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer.
The former Liverpool star shared an emotional farewell on Instagram, leaving many fans heartbroken as he closes a defining chapter of his career.
MORE: Liverpool asking price for Trent Alexander-Arnold's early transfer to Real Madrid revealed
Arsène Wenger, 75, former football manager and the current FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, commented on this recent key player transfer situation with beIN Sports.
“[I'm] not really surprised by the news. Because the season is over for him already. I believe the timing is right. Liverpool is the champion already." He said. “It gives Liverpool time to find a defender as well”
“I believe he [Trent] is a good player. It could be difficult to replace, because he is a creative full-back”
He further added:
"Real Madrid approached Alexander-Arnold a long, long time ago."
"They say two years before the end of a contract: 'We want to buy you, we'll give you these wages, and we will try to make an offer. If it doesn't work, we will come back next year, and if it doesn't work, we'll take you for free', it's what they did with [Kylian] Mbappe."
Alexander-Arnold, 26, has been with Liverpool for 20 years, having joined the club's academy at the age of six in 2004. Made his first senior debut in 2016 and has since made 352 appearances, scoring 23 goals.
He is also the youngest-ever player to win six major trophies, namely the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.