We actually have finality on the future of one of the most beloved Liverpool players of the last 25 years. Trent Alexander-Arnold officially announced to the world he will be departing the club on a free transfer this summer. He should not be vilified for his decision.
Alexander-Arnold has given this club so much, that it would be difficult to justify being harsh towards him or his motives.
"You'll Never Walk Alone" is not just a motto or an anthem to be sang before matches, it's something that is infused within the very fabric of this club. Trent knows this better than most, having given 20 years of his life to Liverpool Football Club.
Liverpool Made
TAA has been with this club since he was a wide-eyed youngster. He's seen the development of the club from Champions League winners, to also-rans in the league, and back to the top of the footballing world.
Alexander-Arnold has seen managers come and go and legends pass through. Yet, he's been one of those that sticks.
He's a true Scouser and there are very few players that truly understand the "Liverpool Way" more than him.
Following his first team debut in October of 2016, he's done nothing but make the Anfield faithful proud and help elevate the club to new heights.
His love for this club is undeniable and it can't have been an easy choice to make this move just as he should be entering the prime of his career. He said as much himself.
""But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.""Trent Alexander-Arnold on social media
Delivered nothing but Success
It's of course human nature to have an instant reaction of anger or frustration to this news. It can feel like a betrayal in the moment. However, if you take a step back, it does not come close to what he helped give us.
Trent is a 2X Premier League winner. He's a Champions League winner like his heroes; Gerrard and Carragher. He helped deliver the club every single trophy on offer and he was a key piece of the puzzle.
Without No. 66, the miracle against Barcelona never happens. He's scored or created so many vital goals for the Reds over the years.
He redefined how players could play the right-back position as he played with flair, creativity and a progressive mind.
It's very rare that players are one-club men. Heck, even Gerrard played in Major League Soccer. Granted, that was at the end of his career, but it happens. Robbie Fowler. Fernando Torres. Luis Suarez. Kevin Keegan. on and on, the list of Liverpool icons that have played elsewhere is long.
So, while it's fair to be frustrated and gutted he's departing the club, he is doing it as a Premier League champion once again and has been a model professional throughout.
He's given Liverpool and its fans memories to last a lifetime and I don't hold ill-will towards him for trying to keep growing. That's what we all should do. He's simply doing something almost every footballer will do at least once in their career, so why should be the bad guy for it?
He's not. He's a Scouser. He's a Red and he'll never walk alone indeed.