Trent couldâve had Real or leaving in general for such a club in his mind as a possibility (or why would you even 100% exclude that, looking so far ahead?) ages ago.
Real couldâve had a player like him on their list ages ago. Even more so if their situation at RB and in defence in general was such that it would be a place of focus soon.
There couldâve been some sort of communication between two camps without breaking any rules. Nobody can prevent people from talking at any point in the year. Everyone does it, happens all the time. If people think proper talks start on July 1st, theyâre deluded.
Just the other day, Thommo was talking about how we were bringing Cisse (meeting him in Paris) to Liverpool much before it was done (unfortunately, because I think Rafa wouldnât have approved it if it had been his decision, but thatâs for another story). It was a relatively open secret in the context of that time. I donât think Auxerre could moan about anything. Journalists find out stuff, what can you do. And that wasnât a free deal like Trentâs. Of course itâs almost impossible for this deal to remain silent.
My first âclueâ or the first bit of âlook at thisâ feeling with Trent was when he only signed a 4-year deal on his last signature.
He left the door a bit open to decide what he would do when his career comes to a point where the next 4-5 years of a lot of playersâ peaks (26-30ish, not a rule though). Is it still and possibly Liverpool forever then, or maybe time for something new.
Then we have our terrible 22/23 season, things changing behind the scenes, lots of people in the directive layer (who would lead such negotiations) leaving, then Klopp, etc.
He ended that 22/23 on a high note, playing some of his best football. Then had that pre-season in which he said he put big focus on his physicality.
It maybe also has to do with him willing to experience something new altogether, not only Real, but Spain. Everything which I can understand. He also wants to win more and yes, Real have won more important trophies in last years than us. Great players, improved stadium, etc.
I just hope that this doesnât spoil our last games together, we win this title together, celebrate it the way it should be celebrated and wish each other the best of luck at the end.
Itâs the only right way to do it.