Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been told to leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, just seven months after leaving Liverpool, according to Spanish media reports citing concerns over his defensive work rate and attacking output.
19:34, 23 Jan 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been told to leave Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been told to leave Madrid(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
New Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has reportedly instructed Trent Alexander-Arnold to depart the club just seven months following his transfer from Liverpool.
The 27-year-old has struggled during his debut campaign with the Spanish giants, unable to establish himself as a regular starter whilst battling fitness problems.
The England star's situation hasn't been aided by the internal turmoil that ultimately resulted in Xabi Alonso's dismissal. Arbeloa, who previously managed the club's B team, took over from Alonso earlier this month and is already making his mark.
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According to Spanish publication El Nacional, Arbeloa has held a candid meeting with Alexander-Arnold, advising him to seek a move away from Madrid in the summer transfer window for his own benefit. Arbeloa reportedly informed the ex-Liverpool player that he doesn't feature in Real's future vision and it's strictly a football-related decision.
The report further suggests that Alexander-Arnold's representatives are actively exploring potential destinations for a summer switch. Bernabeu officials cite his inadequate defensive contributions and disappointing attacking returns as justification for their willingness to offload him.
Alexander-Arnold has featured in just 16 matches for Real, who spent £10million ($13.6 million) to secure him ahead of last summer's Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold sustained a hamstring injury in September and faced another muscle setback last month.
Due to his fitness concerns, Alexander-Arnold has featured just once for the England national team under Thomas Tuchel and faces uncertainty over his World Cup squad inclusion.
Trent Alexander-Arnold right-back of Real Madrid and England sitting on the bench prior the Spanish Super Cup semi-final match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 8, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Alonso indicated that Alexander-Arnold would be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate his worth before he was fired last week. "Trent is a top player, and we need him," the former Madrid manager declared. "It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change."
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Following his departure from Liverpool to join the 15-time European champions, Alexander-Arnold believed he'd integrated smoothly with his new teammates.
"I can't say enough about the lads and how they made me feel welcome and at home," he said in June.
"They've all put in a lot of effort, spoken to me, made me feel comfortable and made sure any questions I had - especially with the translations and things - they've helped me a lot with everything. I can't thank them enough."