Trent Alexander-Arnold faces shirt number ban after Real Madrid move

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid this summer on a free transfer after his contract with Liverpool expires, but he will be prohibited from wearing his preferred No.66 shirt due to La Liga regulations that restrict players to numbers 1-25. The only available shirt numbers for him at Real Madrid are No.12, No.24, and No.25, as La Liga rules also prevent clubs from retiring numbers in honor of legends, complicating the situation further. While reports suggest that a five-year deal worth around £12.5 million per year is nearly finalized, Liverpool fans have expressed strong discontent, viewing his potential exit as a betrayal after he contributed significantly to the club's success. Alexander-Arnold has been a key player for Liverpool, winning numerous honors, and his departure is met with mixed emotions among supporters. As he navigates this transition, many are preparing for life without him at Anfield, highlighting the emotional stakes of his move. The situation reflects the complexities of modern football transfers and the passionate reactions from fanbases.