Less than 12 months following his high-profile departure from Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future has become a burning topic of discussion amid contradictory reports about his situation at Real Madrid. The England international, 27, was courted by the Spanish powerhouse for months as he allowed his Anfield contract to wind down.
The football world’s worst-kept secret was eventually confirmed last June when Los Blancos stumped up £10million to secure his signature before he became a free agent, ensuring his eligibility for the Club World Cup. Regrettably for both Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid, matters haven’t unfolded as expected.
He found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter under Xabi Alonso throughout the season’s opening months and hasn’t appeared since December owing to injury concerns.
Unconfirmed reports emerged last week suggesting Alexander-Arnold had been informed he wasn’t part of Madrid’s new boss Alvaro Arbeloa’s blueprint, after the former Liverpool full-back assumed temporary charge following Alonso’s exit earlier this month.
However, subsequent claims have disputed this narrative, indicating the club maintains confidence in Alexander-Arnold’s abilities.
Such rumours have sparked suggestions that the Liverpool academy product might pursue a Merseyside return in the near future – and he would presumably receive a warm reception should that materialise. Mohamed Salah was among the Liverpool players to demonstrate solidarity with Alexander-Arnold when his move to Madrid was ultimately confirmed.
On an Instagram post featuring Alexander-Arnold in his new kit with the caption “Family is everything”, Liverpool’s talisman replied with two red hearts.
Alexander-Arnold, who developed an instinctive partnership with Salah down Liverpool’s right flank under Jurgen Klopp, reciprocated the gesture on a post from the Egyptian earlier this campaign when he shared content highlighting his remarkable statistics following his candid interview, where he criticised Arne Slot.
Alexander-Arnold commented with a goat emoji, leaving no doubt about his opinion of Salah.
Whilst speculation of a Liverpool homecoming may be sentimental, Alexander-Arnold will be entirely concentrated on securing a consistent place in Arbeloa’s side as he nears a return to action.