Trent Alexander-Arnold’s time at Real Madrid is reportedly turning into a nightmare, with growing speculation that the England international could return to the Premier League in the next transfer window.
The 28-year-old joined the Spanish giants from Liverpool on a six-year deal but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. Despite making 41 appearances across all competitions, his position in the squad has come under increasing pressure under Jose Mourinho. Alexander-Arnold has been an unused substitute in Real Madrid’s last two matches, including their impressive 4-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday. Mourinho has instead opted to use Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries in the right-back position.
Following the win, which featured a brace from Kylian Mbappe, Mourinho admitted that leaving two quality right-backs on the bench was difficult while praising Valverde’s contribution. However, Alexander-Arnold’s continued absence has raised fresh questions about his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Liverpool defender has averaged just 53 minutes per La Liga appearance, leaving doubts about whether he can secure regular playing time. European football expert Andy Brassell believes the defender should carefully consider his options before deciding to leave Madrid, particularly with a January move being discussed.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Brassell explained that Alexander-Arnold’s decision could depend on how much playing time he receives before Christmas. He suggested that if the full-back continues to struggle for starts, he may begin to question whether remaining in Spain is the right decision. However, Brassell warned that January transfers rarely produce immediate success, making a mid-season departure a potentially risky move.
Brassell also indicated that Dumfries appears to be Mourinho’s preferred option at right-back, suggesting Alexander-Arnold may have to wait until the end of the season to assess his situation and decide whether he is prepared to remain a squad player.
Although his contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2031, that has not stopped speculation about a possible departure. According to TEAMtalk, four Premier League clubs are monitoring developments surrounding the defender as uncertainty grows over his role in the Spanish capital.
Liverpool are reportedly among the interested clubs and could consider bringing their academy graduate back to Anfield. Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso, are also said to be keeping tabs on his situation. Bayern Munich are monitoring developments as well, while Real Madrid could reportedly consider a reasonable offer for the right-back.
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol believes Alexander-Arnold may already regret leaving Anfield, arguing that he would have a much better chance of playing regularly if he had stayed at Liverpool.
Speaking to ESPN, Nicol questioned whether the England international made the right decision by leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid. He argued that Alexander-Arnold would be playing every week at Liverpool, whereas his opportunities in Spain have become increasingly limited.
Nicol also suggested that the defender would have little difficulty returning to the Liverpool starting XI under Andoni Iraola, insisting that regular football should now be a priority for a player who has already won major trophies.
With several Premier League clubs reportedly monitoring his situation, Alexander-Arnold faces an important decision about his future as he attempts to revive his career and secure the regular playing time he needs.
