Jermaine Pennant Defends Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Move To Real Madrid, Says Liverpool Fans ‘Don’t Understand’ His Decision

Liverpool legend Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to join Real Madrid has sparked heated debate among Reds supporters — but former winger Jermaine Pennant has stepped in to defend the move, saying fans “don’t understand” why the right-back left Anfield after two decades of service.

The England international’s return to Merseyside ended on a sour note, as he was greeted with loud boos and whistles during Madrid’s Champions League trip to Anfield earlier this week. Despite the hostile reception, Pennant believes the defender made the right choice for his career and backed him to thrive under Xabi Alonso in Spain.

“Fans Don’t Understand Why He Left”

Speaking to AS, Pennant sympathised with the emotions of the Liverpool faithful but argued that the criticism directed at Alexander-Arnold was unfair.

“It’s difficult because Liverpool fans are so passionate. Obviously, they didn’t like that he left,” Pennant said. “The fans don’t understand. They think he should stay at Liverpool because it’s more than a club — it’s a family. They feel he has abandoned the club, the city, and the fans.”

The former Anfield winger added that he understood why many felt betrayed, especially given Alexander-Arnold’s lifelong connection to the club.

“Nobody wants to see a great player leave their club, especially when he’s been there so long.”

“It’s Hard To Turn Down Real Madrid”

Pennant, however, defended Alexander-Arnold’s right to seek new challenges after years of success in England. The 27-year-old had already won the Premier League, Champions League, and several domestic cups before opting to take his talents to the Bernabéu.

“He was a great servant of Liverpool,” Pennant explained. “He’d been at the club since he was very young and rose through the ranks to win everything with them. Would they have had the same success without him? Probably not.

“But there comes a time in a player’s career when they want to try something different, and the opportunity to play for a club like Real Madrid isn’t something that’s available to most players. It’s very hard to turn down.”

Pennant noted that while many fans remain upset, others recognise and appreciate everything Trent has given to the club.

“Some supporters are thanking him for what he’s done and wishing him all the best at Real Madrid. And that’s the right attitude.”

A New Chapter For Trent

Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid — completed in June for €10 million — ended a 20-year relationship with Liverpool. Though his early days in Spain have been interrupted by injury, insiders at the club believe he remains central to Madrid’s long-term plans.

His Anfield farewell may have been bittersweet, but for Pennant and others who’ve walked the same path, the decision represents ambition, not betrayal.

“He’s got the quality, he’s got the mentality,” Pennant concluded. “Once he finds his rhythm, we’ll see the best of Trent again — maybe even better than before.”