“The man served you” – Sunday Oliseh replies Ferdinand over Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has thrown his support behind Rio Ferdinand’s stance on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Liverpool, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 26-year-old full-back, who is a product of Liverpool’s famed academy, has reportedly agreed on terms with Real Madrid ahead of a blockbuster summer move.

However, his decision to leave Anfield on a free transfer has sparked outrage among Reds supporters, who feel betrayed by the England international.

Manchester United legend Ferdinand weighed in on the matter, calling for Liverpool fans to show gratitude rather than resentment for the player.

Trent Alexander-Arnold
My message to Liverpool Fans…. pic.twitter.com/LaGe0H5wBm

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) March 31, 2025

Speaking on Rio Presents, Ferdinand argued that Alexander-Arnold’s contributions to Liverpool’s recent golden era should be recognised rather than criticised.

“You should be saying thank you and good luck,” Ferdinand said. “Trent Alexander-Arnold, you didn’t pay a penny for him. He’s one of your own and he won it all.”

Ex-footballer and now TV-pundit Rio Ferdinand seen before the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid [Photo credit/Imago]

Ferdinand also pointed out that Alexander-Arnold is not leaving for a Premier League rival but for Real Madrid—arguably the biggest club in world football.

“And because he’s choosing to go and leave the club, not for a rival, not for a team in the Premier League, he’s going to the biggest club right now in the world. You should be saying, ‘I’d love him to stay but well done.'”

In response, Oliseh, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter), supported the former West Ham United defender’s reaction and believes Liverpool should wish him well.

“Like is often the case, Rio nails it again on the Trent Alexander-Arnold departure rants. The man served you, decides to leave, and you should wish him well!”

Like is often the case, Rio nails it again on the Trent Alexander-Arnold departure rants. The man served you,decides to leave and you should wish him well! https://t.co/LB2JF51WK9

— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) March 31, 2025

Both Real Madrid and Alexander-Arnold are reportedly confident that the deal will be finalised this summer. Per reports, the European champions have long been planning for the Englishman’s arrival, and despite an unsuccessful attempt to sign him in January, they remain firm favourites to secure his signature.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is in action with Paris St Germain’s Fabian Ruiz during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, 2nd Leg match between Liverpool and Paris St Germain [Photo credit/Imago]

Liverpool fans, however, remain divided, with many taking to social media to vent their frustration over his impending exit. Some believe the club should have done more to retain him, while others agree he deserves a proper send-off for his years of service.

With the transfer saga unfolding, all eyes will be on Alexander-Arnold’s next steps as he prepares to bid farewell to his boyhood club and embark on a new chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu.