Alexander-Arnold Faces Uncertain Future at Real Madrid

Real Madrid secured Trent Alexander-Arnold for a nominal fee last summer, aiming to integrate him into their strategy for the FIFA Club World Cup. The 27-year-old made his debut in this competition, with high expectations placed upon him.

Having built a reputation at Liverpool for redefining the role of full-backs, Alexander-Arnold is adept at both offensive contributions and defensive responsibilities. His dynamic playing style has influenced modern football, making him an attractive acquisition for Real Madrid. The club envisioned him as a valuable asset, complementing their formidable attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

However, Alexander-Arnold’s time in Madrid has not unfolded as anticipated, primarily due to persistent injury issues. He has only made 11 appearances this season, with his last outing occurring on December 3.

According to El Nacional, tensions in Madrid have escalated, with interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa reportedly informing Alexander-Arnold that he is not included in the team’s plans. Concerns have been raised regarding his defensive vulnerabilities and his inability to deliver the expected offensive precision. Coaching staff feel that despite having a compatriot and friend, Jude Bellingham, alongside him, Alexander-Arnold has yet to fully adapt to the demands of the club.

There are criticisms that he has become predictable in his gameplay, leading Real to consider terminating their experiment. Former head coach and Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso previously advocated for patience, asserting, “Trent is a top player, and we need him. It’s his first year, and this adjustment period is normal.”

Alonso’s departure from coaching has put Alexander-Arnold’s position in jeopardy. Reports suggest that the club believes retaining him serves no purpose and prolonging the situation could be detrimental to both the player and the team. Consequently, a sale is anticipated during the summer transfer window.

Arbeloa has had candid discussions with Alexander-Arnold, indicating that for his own benefit, he should seek a new opportunity in the upcoming transfer market. The manager has stated that there will be no future game time for Alexander-Arnold under his guidance, clarifying that this decision is based on sporting considerations rather than disciplinary actions.

Alexander-Arnold is perceived to require a less demanding environment to restore his confidence and consistency. He has acknowledged his struggles in Madrid, recognizing that remaining on the bench for another year would exacerbate his predicament.

His representatives are actively exploring potential destinations to revive his career, as Real Madrid aims to expedite this transition. Alexander-Arnold may have already played his final match for the club, with Arbeloa unwilling to revisit his role.

This challenging situation comes at a critical juncture for Alexander-Arnold, who had recently regained his place in the England national squad. His skills were expected to be instrumental for the Three Lions under coach Thomas Tuchel heading into the 2026 World Cup, but his current circumstances jeopardize his chances for selection.

Speculation is mounting regarding a swift return to the Premier League, with Liverpool emerging as a potential destination. Although his previous departure may have strained relations with some supporters, he could find an opportunity to mend those ties in a familiar setting.