Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been told he is free to leave Real Madrid less than 12 months after his Liverpool exit, with the struggles echoing Jurgen Klopp's warning to Philippe Coutinho years earlier
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
13:59, 26 Jan 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold time at Real Madrid is not going to plan
Trent Alexander-Arnold time at Real Madrid is not going to plan(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold may be ruing his decision to ignore Jurgen Klopp's counsel following his swift decline at Real Madrid.
The England international is said to be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu, less than 12 months after his controversial departure from Liverpool. The 27-year-old joined Real last summer with lofty expectations for his career trajectory.
However, the reality has proved far bleaker as Madrid struggles to rescue its title challenge this campaign, with Alexander-Arnold plagued by recurring fitness issues and registering only one assist across 11 appearances for the club. Following the departure of Anfield icon Xabi Alonso, another former Red stepped in to take charge in Alvaro Arbeloa.
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However, reports suggest the ex-Spain defender has informed Alexander-Arnold he's permitted to leave the Spanish capital.
This unfortunate development mirrors Klopp's caution to Philippe Coutinho upon his Liverpool exit eight years ago.
Coutinho had cemented his status as a potential Merseyside icon before his switch to Barcelona in January 2018.
Jurgen Klopp offered some excellent advice
Jurgen Klopp offered some excellent advice(Image: Getty Images)
This occurred despite cautions from his previous manager, who warned that a transfer to another European powerhouse could reduce him to just another squad member.
The forecast turned out to be spot on, as Coutinho's form nosedived at Barcelona before he eventually returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa four years later.
Klopp said at the time: "I told him [Coutinho] to stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honor.
"Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more."
Fast forward to today, and the pattern seems to be emerging once more, as Alexander-Arnold rejected Liverpool's substantial contract proposals to remain at Anfield, opting instead for a move to the continent.
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His decision drew heavy criticism from many within the Liverpool fanbase, and indications suggest his spell at Madrid might prove surprisingly short-lived.
Not long ago, the England right-back had ambitions of Ballon d'Or success and aspired to become the first defender to claim the prestigious accolade. Now, however, he finds himself far removed from such discussions following his difficulties in Madrid.
A considerable portion of the player's difficulties in Spain have been outside his influence, given the injury concerns he's encountered. But it appears time is running out for him to prove himself at Madrid.