Steve McManaman states that Trent Alexander-Arnold evokes a different range of feelings in Liverpool supporters compared to Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Steve McManaman has weighed in on the emotional impact of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential departure from Liverpool, suggesting that it evokes a different response compared to the hypothetical exits of Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk.

Having made over 350 appearances for The Reds and secured eight trophies, including two Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown in 2019, Alexander-Arnold’s time at Anfield appears to be nearing its end. While his next destination remains uncertain, McManaman, who himself made the switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid, understands why this news resonates more deeply with fans.

“I think football fans adore their clubs and they don’t like anybody leaving on their own volition, really,” McManaman told TNT Sports. “Or they don’t like certain people leaving off their own volition.”

He continued, “You know, six months ago, I think people were actually fine if Mo Salah was going to leave, or if Virgil van Dijk was going to leave. But Trent leaving, I think it stirs up different emotions from people because he was born in Liverpool. I think it’s as simple as that.”

McManaman elaborated on the unique connection that local players have with the club, stating, “If you’re born here, it’s harder to leave. It’s easy if the club want to sell you, but if you want to make the decision yourself, it’s completely the other way.”

He acknowledged that many players have been sold without much fanfare, but Alexander-Arnold’s desire to leave has sparked a more profound emotional response among supporters.

The former Liverpool winger expressed pride in Alexander-Arnold’s achievements and noted that his decision to seek new challenges was not unexpected. With just three matches remaining in the Premier League season, including two at Anfield, McManaman hopes the Liverpool faithful will give the 26-year-old a proper send-off.

“I think the majority of fans appreciate what he’s done for the club, appreciate he’s been at the club from the age of six, and appreciate the fact that he’s a fantastic player,” he said. “He’s leaving Liverpool when they’re at the top of the tree, when they’re financially in a very healthy position, when they’ve got funds to buy and strengthen their team.”

McManaman also highlighted the emergence of Conor Bradley, another young talent from the academy, who could step up in Alexander-Arnold’s absence. “I certainly hope the majority of fans will be right behind him and give him the send-off he deserves,” he added.

Despite the inevitable void left by Alexander-Arnold, McManaman remains confident in Liverpool’s ability to adapt and thrive. “I think he’ll be a big miss, because he’s an incredible football player. But Liverpool have lost brilliant players all the time,” he remarked.

He reflected on the club’s history of overcoming the loss of star players, stating, “Every football club has lost brilliant players along the way, and it’s how you evolve, it’s how you come forward, and it’s how you stay successful.”

McManaman pointed out that Liverpool has a legacy of great players who have moved on, yet the club has continued to prosper. “The great, great players have all left the club. John Barnes left the club, Ian Rush left the club, these are great players. They all went on to play for other teams.”

As Liverpool looks to the future, McManaman believes that the club will continue to strengthen and evolve, with young talents like Conor Bradley ready to seize their opportunities. “The club stays strong, and the club moves forward, and it will move forward without Trent,” he concluded.