Dream Move Turns Into Nightmare
Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid after stating his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or as a right back. Real Madrid paid Liverpool €12 million to secure him early for the FIFA Club World Cup. Nearly 18 months later, the 28 year old defender is struggling in Spain.
He has started only 18 out of 50 LaLiga games during his time in Madrid. Injuries and frequent manager changes have limited his impact. Things became harder after Jose Mourinho took over as head coach in July.
Falling Behind at the Bernabeu
This season, Alexander-Arnold has started just five of 16 matches in all competitions. His only goal contribution so far is a single assist against Malaga, who sit at the bottom of the table.
Mourinho has preferred midfielder Federico Valverde and summer signing Denzel Dumfries at right back. Dumfries arrived from Inter Milan for €20 million and has eight starts. Valverde stood out in a 3-0 win against Valencia, leading Mourinho to keep using him in defence. Mourinho explained the tactical change was made for the team, and both Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries understood the decision.
Liverpool Problems and a Potential Exit
Back at Liverpool, manager Andoni Iraola is facing a severe lack of creativity. The team has created only 17 big chances in the Premier League this season. Conor Bradley has been injured since January, Jeremie Frimpong has struggled with fitness, and Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo is playing out of position at right back.
Alexander-Arnold registered 64 assists in 259 Premier League matches before leaving Anfield. A return could help Liverpool solve their attacking issues while helping him rebuild his spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad ahead of Euro 2028.
Winning Back the Fans
A return might not be completely smooth. Many supporters booed the defender when he announced his exit in May 2025 and when he played against Liverpool later that year. Some fans felt hurt by his departure after 20 years at his boyhood club.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admitted he would gladly take him back. He noted that while Alexander-Arnold made a mistake by leaving, his passing quality is exactly what Liverpool need right now. Good performances on the pitch could quickly turn the fans back in his favour.
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