Arne Slot makes Trent Alexander-Arnold feelings clear after Liverpool exit decision

Liverpool boss Arne Slot admits he's "disappointed" with 's decision to quit . The right-back when his contract expires this summer.

Alexander-Arnold was one of three major names who faced uncertain futures on Merseyside, but whilst and have chosen to stay the Englishman has opted to pursue a new challenge after recently confirming his exit.

The decision comes as a blow to Slot, who has been looking to build on the success of his debut season. Now he must fill a huge void on the right side of the defence and confessed that a quality player and character was leaving the squad.

However the Dutchman was confident, having seen leading lights leave the likes of Feyenoord during his time in charge there, that the next man in line would step up having seen major names leave clubs in the past.

He said: "I think like everyone who likes Liverpool and is a fan of us, we're disappointed because a good human is leaving but also a very good full-back as well. I also worked at clubs like AZ and Feyenoord when good players left, so I am a bit more used to it. The experience I have and this club as well, if a good player leaves, the next good player steps up and that is what will go again."

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The expectation is that Alexander-Arnold will head to with the Spanish giants aiming to strike a deal so that he can play for them in the Club World Cup this summer. Slot refused to name Los Blancos, but made it clear he knew his next destination.

He said: "Do you know where Trent is going? He hasn't said anything, just that he will leave, so it is impossible to comment if he will play in the Club World Cup. You see by my smile, we both know where he is going to!"

Slot claimed that the nature of free transfer has become an increasing trend with some clubs taking particular advantage. Last summer Real landed Kylian Mbappe for nothing when his deal expired.

The Livepool boss said: You cannot deny it is happening a bit more than in the past. Happens a lot if my memory is correct, mostly with certain club that brings in free agents, but you don't see it much with other big clubs. Happened a few times now but I also see a lot of players moving for big fees, every single window for years. Could be a trend! Let's wait and see if that happens, I cannot predict."

The expectation is that Liverpool will replace Alexander-Arnold with Conor Bradley, another academy graduate. Bradley has been hugely impressive when given an opportunity and could now become a regular in the starting XI.

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