Real Madrid footage of Trent Alexander-Arnold says it all after Liverpool return verdict

· Mirror

Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled to establish himself at Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho, with speculation growing over a potential transfer and return to the Premier League

Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled to establish himself at Real Madrid, fuelling speculation over a potential return to Liverpool. The England international has found himself an unused substitute in four of the Spanish giants' La Liga outings, with players who do not naturally occupy the right-back position being favoured over him.

Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool in the summer of 2025 to link up with Xabi Alonso at the Bernabeu. Yet significant upheaval has since followed in the Madrid dugout, with Alonso departing the club and Alvaro Arbeloa briefly stepping in before Jose Mourinho was handed the reins during the summer.

Despite shaking off the injury troubles that blighted his debut campaign in Spain, Alexander-Arnold has been unable to nail down a regular starting berth under Mourinho. The former Liverpool man is yet to start back-to-back league matches this season and has clocked fewer than 400 minutes on the pitch, with summer arrival Denzel Dumfries frequently preferred at right-back.

Things took a further blow during Madrid's 4-1 win over Sevilla last weekend, when both Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries were left kicking their heels on the substitutes' bench as makeshift options were deployed in the right-back role.

The situation drew the eye of La Liga commentator Terry Gibson, who remarked after viewing the TV coverage: "I had to smile last Sunday night. Valverde started and then Mourinho put Eder Militao at right back late on.

> "The camera cut to Dumfries and Alexander-Arnold on the bench and they looked at each other as if to say, 'I thought this was our competition.'"

Gibson continued: "'He [Alexander-Arnold] has never been regarded as a major, superstar signing. Even when he joined, the hope was that Dani Carvajal would be fit and play ahead of him.

> "Then, when Carvajal left this summer, they signed Denzel Dumfries. But the bigger problem now is that Mourinho has moved Federico Valverde, a midfielder, to right back."

Despite still having another five years left on his deal at the Bernabeu, Alexander-Arnold seems to have slipped down the pecking order under Mourinho, fuelling rumours about his future and a potential switch back to the Premier League.

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Manchester City defender Kyle Walker confessed he would relish the chance to see Alexander-Arnold back playing in English football, though a return to Liverpool appears doubtful. "I think everyone knows how I feel about Trent," said Walker.

> "I think he's an unbelievable player. [But] can he go back to Liverpool with the way that he left? I'm not too sure." Do I see him at another club? He's got to go to one of the big ones: Manchester United, Man City."

Alexander-Arnold's exit from Liverpool sparked frustration amongst sections of the club's fanbase following months of uncertainty over his future. The right-back had entered the final 12 months of his Anfield contract, with rumours intensifying about a possible switch to Madrid as he kept quiet on whether he would pen fresh terms.

Despite Liverpool's attempts to tie down his long-term future, Alexander-Arnold ultimately confirmed he would be departing his boyhood club after 21 years. His choice triggered anger from some supporters, who were left dismayed by his decision to leave, especially with the Reds failing to command a substantial transfer fee for one of their most prized assets.

The 28-year-old went on to finalise his switch to the Spanish heavyweights in the summer of 2025, drawing the curtain on his lengthy spell with Liverpool. Yet his stint in Spain has failed to go entirely according to plan.

Alexander-Arnold has been named in the starting line-up for only three La Liga games and one Champions League encounter this season, with midfielder Federico Valverde amongst those favoured at right-back. The summer arrival of Dumfries has further intensified the battle for positions.

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