Trent Alexander-Arnold gets final verdict in controversial Padel court planning row

A key decision should put Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mind at ease with Liverpool’s opening fixture of the 2024/25 Premier League only a few days away.

There has been no shortage of speculation surrounding Trent this summer, with a whole host of news stories surrounding the Reds’ star right-back. First, tension over his contract situation and well-known Real Madrid interest has seen a variety of fairly innocuous actions pounced upon as a sign of his imminent departure on a potential free transfer.

Then of course came his participation in Euro 2024 with an ultimately unsuccessful England squad. Made the scapegoat before a ball was even kicked, he did okay in the first group games despite being played out of position and hooked in favour of more workman-like options. When he was called upon he delivered with a winning penalty in the quarter-final shootout against Switzerland, but it was an otherwise quiet tournament in terms of positive moments for the 25 year-old.

Good news however has finally arrived for Alexander-Arnold as at least one headline from this summer would appear to have resolved itself in a diplomatic manner.

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A report from the Daily Mail in June described Trent’s ongoing battle to gain retroactive planning permission for a padel court at his sprawling Cheshire mansion, which was once owned by former Liverpool player Raheem Sterling during his time in the North West.

What is Padel?

Padel originated in Mexico and is best described as a combination of squash and tennis, and its growing popularity has been favoured by many footballers and public figures, indeed the AXA Training Centre at Kirkby has two courts in which Liverpool’s players and staff can enjoy a game. Jürgen Klopp is a big fan of the sport, frequently seen playing as he begins his semi-retirement in Spain.

Construction on Alexander-Arnold’s padel court began in 2022 when Sterling still owned the property, and despite initial concerns from neighbours and the local council about noise, the retrospective planning permission has been granted with conditions.

Those conditions include the installation of trees and other landscaping works near the court to reduce any loud noises, as well as the removal of floodlights so as not to further disturb nearby residents. 

We contacted a local representative of the parish council but they declined to comment.