Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, with the defender expected to join Real Madrid.

"This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life," said Alexander-Arnold in a message on social media, as talks with Real are at an advanced stage.

No contract with the Spanish club has been signed yet, but Sky Sports News understands the deal to sign Alexander-Arnold is close.

The England international came through the Liverpool academy and has played 352 times for the first team, winning two Premier League titles - including this season's.

Alexander-Arnold verbally agrees Real Madrid deal after confirming Liverpool exit	Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms Liverpool exit and set to join Real Madrid	Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms Liverpool exit and is set to join Real Madrid

Alexander-Arnold helped Liverpool win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies in 2019, and also lifted two Carabao Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield.

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Take a look at some of Trent Alexander-Arnold's best bits at Liverpool in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old started this season as one of the three key Liverpool players out of contract this summer, and while Liverpool extended Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's deals by two years, they will lose Alexander-Arnold for no fee.

In an interview with LFC TV, Alexander-Arnold admitted there was the possibility of staying at the club, but revealed he needed a change in his career.

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Asked if staying at Liverpool was ever a possibility, Alexander-Arnold said: "One hundred per cent, a massive possibility.

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Sky Sports News understands that while Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave is a disappointment at Liverpool, the club felt they did everything in their power to make him stay.

Contract talks with the defender were understood to be a long-term priority for the Reds, with discussions dating back to last season.

New sporting director Richard Hughes, appointed last summer, even contacted Alexander-Arnold's representatives about a new contract before starting his role, with formal negotiations starting after Arne Slot had been appointed as the new head coach.

Liverpool's offer to Alexander-Arnold would have made him the best-paid full-back not just in the Premier League, but also in world football - but the club realised that a new agreement was not possible, as the defender had his heart set on Real Madrid.

The final meeting between Hughes and Alexander-Arnold's camp came earlier in the spring, after Liverpool had rejected a bid from Real Madrid in the January transfer window?

Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced on his social media channels that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of this season

Alexander-Arnold said on X to confirm his exit: "After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.

"This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life.

"I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven't spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team's best interests, which was securing No 20.

"This club has been my whole life - my whole world - for 20 years