Liverpool have reportedly made their position on a potential reunion with Trent Alexander-Arnold clear, and the response is far from encouraging. Andoni Iraola’s side are currently not interested in bringing the defender back to Anfield.
The 28-year-old brought his 20-year association with Liverpool to an end in June 2025 when he joined Real Madrid for £10 million, shortly before his contract expired. However, with regular playing time becoming increasingly difficult to find in Spain, speculation about a possible return to Merseyside has resurfaced.
According to Football Insider, Alexander-Arnold is not among Liverpool’s current transfer targets, making a return to his boyhood club appear unlikely for now.
His situation at Real Madrid helps explain why questions about his future have emerged. The England international started 29 of his 42 appearances for the Spanish giants last season, but his involvement has decreased significantly under new head coach Jose Mourinho.
During the 2026/27 campaign, Alexander-Arnold has started just four of Real Madrid’s 13 La Liga and Champions League matches. He has also completed 90 minutes on only one occasion, featuring throughout a 4-0 league victory over Malaga in late August.
His situation became even more noticeable during the latest Clasico against Barcelona, which Real Madrid won 2-1 away from home. Federico Valverde was selected at right-back, while Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries remained on the bench. The former Liverpool star was eventually introduced as a last-minute substitute.
Despite the growing speculation, Alexander-Arnold still has five years remaining on his Real Madrid contract. Nevertheless, his limited opportunities have continued to raise questions about whether he could eventually seek a move elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have their own concerns at right-back. Jeremie Frimpong has reportedly lost his starting position to Ronald Araujo following some disappointing performances, leaving the Reds with questions to address in that area of the pitch.
Despite those concerns, Football Insider reports that Liverpool have no current plans to bring Alexander-Arnold back. Whatever weaknesses Iraola identifies in his squad, a reunion with the former Reds academy graduate is not currently part of the club’s plans.
Speaking on talkSPORT, football journalist Guillem Balague also played down the possibility of Alexander-Arnold leaving Real Madrid in January.
According to Balague, the defender understands that he must remain patient and wait for his opportunity. He suggested that Alexander-Arnold recognises his current position in the squad, with Valverde and Dumfries seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.
Balague also indicated that Mourinho has encouraged the Englishman to continue working hard and remain prepared for his chance. He concluded that the defender has no intention of leaving the Spanish club at this stage.
There is also the question of Alexander-Arnold’s international future. With England preparing for the November international break, the defender could risk losing his place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad if he fails to make the most of his opportunities at club level.
Real Madrid’s next La Liga fixture is against newly promoted Racing Santander on Sunday, giving Alexander-Arnold another opportunity to demonstrate his quality and potentially improve his situation.
For now, the situation appears straightforward: Liverpool are not actively pursuing a reunion, while Alexander-Arnold is reportedly content to fight for his place in Madrid.
Speculation about a possible return to Anfield may continue as long as his playing time remains limited. However, based on the latest reports, a Liverpool comeback remains unlikely.
The upcoming clash against Racing Santander could provide another opportunity for the former Liverpool star to change the narrative surrounding his future.
