Reports in Spain are suggesting Trent Alexander-Arnold's time at Real Madrid could already be coming to an end, less than a year after he left Liverpool for the Bernabeu
James Findlater Content Editor
14:41, 23 Jan 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks on during the warm-up ahead of a Real Madrid game
Trent Alexander-Arnold is already being linked with an exit from Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s time at Real Madrid may already be coming to an end if reports in Spain are to be believed.
The former Liverpool right-back made the move to the Bernabeu from Anfield last summer, having run down his contract on Merseyside before joining Los Blancos for a small fee ahead of the Club World Cup.
His time in Madrid hasn’t quite gone according to plan so far though. Alexander-Arnold has struggled with injury problems, leading to him only making 11 appearances so far this season, while his place in the side has not been assured when he has been fit.
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Andy Robertson to Tottenham, Micky van de Ven stance, Salah exitREAD MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold responds as Liverpool player joins brother's agency after Real Madrid visit
Xabi Alonso’s departure as manager has added another twist, with the former Liverpool midfielder having been fired earlier this month after tensions grew with his squad.
With Alvaro Arbeloa now in charge, Alexander-Arnold’s future has been called into question, with El Nacional suggesting that the England international may have to look for a new club soon.
The report claims that the situation has “reached breaking point,” with Arbeloa having told Alexander-Arnold that he is not part of his plans. Coaching staff at the Bernabeu are said to believe that the 27-year-old has not adapted to life in the Spanish capital despite having a close friend in Jude Bellingham alongside him.
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks on ahead of Real Madrid's Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been told to find a new club in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
Furthermore, it’s suggested that the club has been left unimpressed Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capabilities, while his offensive output has not been as expected, with just the one assist to his name so far this season.
As such, El Nacional claims that Real is ready to cut its losses on the right-back, and sanction a sale in the summer.
Arbeloa is said to have already made Alexander-Arnold aware of the club’s stance during a "frank conversation," in which it was made clear that he must look for another club in the summer.
It’s even suggested that Arbeloa has stated that the former Liverpool star will not see any game time under his leadership.
Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
From $100
LFC.com
See the deal
Liverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
Article continues below
A return to the Premier League is touted, with Liverpool inevitably discussed as a possible landing spot. Given the manner in which he brought his time on Merseyside to an end though, that could prove to be more difficult than expected.
Liverpool.com says: This all seems very dramatic from Real if there is any truth to the report. Alexander-Arnold's move to Madrid certainly hasn't gone to plan so far, but it would be a little early for them to be giving up on him.
It would be a major surprise if he doesn't get the chance to play for them again, and there's no guarantee that Arbeloa will be in charge next season. We'll wait and watch on with interest in this one.