VIDEO: Jamie Carragher explains why Liverpool fans have turned on Trent Alexander-Arnold after championing local hero for nearly a decade

The England international, whose contract with Liverpool runs out this summer, is poised to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer, a development that has sparked anger and disappointment among Reds fans. During Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield, the atmosphere took a sour turn when Alexander-Arnold was brought on as a substitute. Rather than receiving a warm reception, the full-back was met with audible boos and jeers from the stands. For many, it was a shocking moment given how much Alexander-Arnold has contributed to the club’s success over the past seven years.

Alexander-Arnold’s career at Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable. The 25-year-old Scouser has lifted the Champions League, two Premier League titles, and a collection of domestic cups, all while redefining the role of the modern full-back with his creativity and passing range. But as his exit nears, frustration has taken over gratitude. Many fans feel betrayed - not necessarily because he’s leaving, but because of how he’s doing it. With no transfer fee involved, his free departure to a major European rival stings even more.

Carragher has stepped in to provide insight into why fans feel so let down by Alexander-Arnold’s decision. Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher delved into the emotional bond between the fans and the player, and how that relationship has now fractured.

"I think this is a point that frustrates Liverpool supporters even more about the transfer because...you've gotta remember this is probably the most talked about full-back because he's unique and when we think about great full-backs, yourself included (Gary Neville), you think about really good defenders and he's different," Carragher argued.

"We get that. But this is again why Liverpool supporters feel really upset. Liverpool fans feel they have been fighting for their boy for like eight years to everybody, whether its's you on The Overlap or whether it's Roy (Keane) in the Sky studio. Supporters on the ground saying, 'Reece James is better', 'Kyle Walker'. 'Trent can't defend'. 'He can't do this'. Liverpool fans feel really upset about him, because they feel they've been defending this lad to everybody against the country.

"England in the summer, midfield, is he there? Everyone feels the country's on top of him. So I get that, he might not feel appreciated, but the Liverpool supporters think, we've been the ones who've been absolutely dying for you and championing you and defending you to everyone and then you've left on a free!"

With Liverpool’s next fixture against Brighton looming on Monday night, there’s a real possibility that Alexander-Arnold may once again find himself behind Conor Bradley in the line-up as the club prepares for life without him.