
Anfield Index
·27. April 2025
Souness: “They Will Love Alexander-Arnold in Madrid”

Anfield Index
·27. April 2025
Graeme Souness has given his full backing to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid, urging Liverpool fans to support the right-back’s next chapter abroad. Drawing from his own career, Souness compared the transfer to his switch to Sampdoria in 1984 after a glittering spell with Liverpool.
Having lifted multiple honours at Anfield, including three European Cups, Souness knows first-hand the life-changing experience that comes with playing football abroad. The former Liverpool captain believes that Alexander-Arnold’s expected free transfer to the Spanish giants will only benefit his career and personal development.
Photo: IMAGO
Souness, now 71, left Liverpool at the age of 31, signing for Sampdoria for £650,000. He played 358 games for the Reds, winning five league titles among other trophies, before embarking on a fresh challenge in Italy.
Reflecting on Alexander-Arnold’s situation, Souness told the Mirror:
“It was different for me. I was 31 and was leaving Liverpool having won a lot of trophies. For Trent it’s a different story. He’s 26 and he’s leaving his boyhood club.”
He added: “But he will come back a better-educated, more-rounded human being than what he is now. Going to another country, learning their culture, and seeing how they do things is good for you.”
Souness highlighted how the experiences abroad helped shape his perspective, even if it involved adapting to unfamiliar practices.
“Trent won’t agree with everything he sees. But you take it all onboard and when you come back you try to implement the good things you have learned. He will be richer for the experience.”
Alexander-Arnold’s journey at Liverpool has been nothing short of historic. Coming through the club’s academy from the age of six, he has grown into one of the world’s premier full-backs, combining defensive resilience with extraordinary creative flair.
With his contract set to expire this summer, the 26-year-old is poised to leave Anfield as a two-time Premier League winner. Liverpool need only a point against Tottenham today to clinch their 20th English title – a fitting farewell for a player who has given everything for his boyhood club.
Souness acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s loyalty, saying:
“I can’t be critical of him. He’s been at Liverpool since he was six, so he’s been a fabulous servant to the club he supports – and I think he’ll be a fantastic acquisition for Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid, fresh from another successful campaign, are set to welcome one of England’s finest talents to the Bernabéu. Souness believes Alexander-Arnold’s vast range of skills will endear him to the Madridistas immediately.
“In golf terms, he’s got every club in the bag. He can pick a pass from 50 or 60 yards – and they will love him in Madrid,” Souness said, underlining the technical qualities Alexander-Arnold will bring to Spain.
With Real Madrid’s hunger for elite talent ever-present, Alexander-Arnold’s imminent arrival could reinforce their dominance domestically and in Europe. His move also signals a bold new chapter for a player already considered among the greats at Liverpool.