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Bellingham Claims Liverpool Fans Don’t Really Hate Alexander-Arnold Despite Boos

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 3:59 PM ET

Trent Alexander-Arnold got a firsthand look at the heat Liverpool fans said he would face once he returned to Anfield wearing a Real Madrid jersey. Even though the boos were loud, Jude Bellingham doesn’t believe Reds fans truly hate Arnold.

The English right-back’s history with Liverpool goes back to the youth academy. Trent trained there and worked his way into the first team during Jurgen Klopp’s early years with the club. With Klopp gone and Arnold’s desire to leave growing, a move was inevitable.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid prepares to come on as a substitute during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The transfer went through just before the season ended — meaning Real Madrid could have waited and signed him for free when his contract expired. Instead, Madrid paid his release clause to bring him in sooner, upsetting fans who received no proper farewell: no speech, just an Instagram post and a quiet exit.

Now, as Liverpool faced Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Xabi Alonso brought Alexander-Arnold off the bench in the second half — and the boos were deafening.

After the match, Jude Bellingham said he doesn’t think Liverpool fans truly hate Arnold.

“I bet Liverpool fans are actually appreciative towards Trent, especially for what he won for them," Bellingham said. Don’t forget Trent also won the league last season… and they gave him a good send off so”,