Trent Alexander-Arnold's long-term Real Madrid future remains uncertain, with the former Liverpool right-back not having featured since early December due to injury
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
15:05, 27 Jan 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold's future in Spain looks uncertain(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold has previously expressed his desire to return to Anfield at some point, amid questions surrounding his future at Real Madrid.
Conflicting reports have surfaced about the former Liverpool right-back's predicament at the Bernabeu following a disappointing opening half of the season. After Xabi Alonso's firing, reports in Spain claim that new boss Alvaro Arbeloa had instructed Alexander-Arnold to find another club this summer.
Yet subsequent reports have disputed this, insisting he still has Arbeloa's backing. Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold's transfer to Los Blancos hasn't gone according to plan. The 27-year-old hasn't played since early December due to injury and has struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting XI when fit.
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A summer departure cannot be ruled out, although a potential Liverpool return appears improbable given the disappointment felt by Reds fans when he announced his departure after more than 20 years with the club.
Alexander-Arnold has previously suggested he intends to come back to Anfield one day, though as a spectator with his children.
During his final interview with the club's official website, he remarked: "There's no doubt about it, I'll be back. I'd love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that's where I've played, and to show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together."
Alexander-Arnold insists he's still a Liverpool fan
Alexander-Arnold insists he's still a Liverpool fan(Image: Getty Images)
Addressing the supporters directly, he continued: "Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I've always felt, thank you for always having my back.
"I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I'm leaving as player, I'll always be a Liverpool fan."
Appealing for fans to understand his decision, he explained: "I just hope that people will be able to see and understand that I've given everything to the club, I've given everything every single day for 20 years now.
"I've sacrificed everything, I've done everything I've ever needed to do to try to help the team win games. And no matter what, that will never change.
"I'll forever be a fan of the club, there'll be no change in that. I'll always be watching the games, I'll be supporting from a distance. But in terms of a player at the club, I think now is the right time for me to move on and challenge myself elsewhere."
Given his struggles in the Spanish capital, Alexander-Arnold might be contemplating another change of scenery in the near future.
He has already returned to Anfield once, facing boos from sections of the home support after entering as a substitute during Liverpool's Champions League triumph over Real Madrid in November.
The right-back position has presented challenges for Arne Slot this season, with injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley disrupting stability.
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While an unexpected return to Merseyside for Alexander-Arnold seems improbable, it cannot be ruled out completely.