One of the biggest transfer sagas of 2025 focused on the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The homegrown Liverpool star decided he would not renew his contract at Anfield, and instead moved to Real Madrid last summer.
It's fair to say the decision did not go down well with many supporters, who felt the move was a huge betrayal. The right-back won the Premier League during his final campaign with the Reds, but things got so bad that famous fan and MMA star Paddy Pimblett even warned the Englishman that he wasn't welcome at the trophy parade.
Alexander-Arnold is currently halfway through his first season in Spain, but has already seen manager Xabi Alonso depart. With Alvaro Arbeloa now calling the shots at Real Madrid, the local press have shared an interesting update on their relationship.
Arbeloa's Behind-the-Scenes Treatment of Trent
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Alexander-Arnold hasn't exactly had the best of time in Madrid so far, with injury issues keeping him from finding his best form. He's played just 11 times in all competitions and is yet to score, picking up just one assist.
In December, there was even talk that he could leave for a cut price with Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle among the teams keeping an eye on the situation. However, with Arbeloa now in charge, it doesn't seem as though that is likely.
As per the Spanish publication AS, there is no truth to any reports that the Spanish manager doesn't like Alexander-Arnold or that he will be looking to offload the defender. Quite the opposite, in fact, as the Englishman is said to have received assurances from the club from the moment he suffered his most recent injury setback against Athletic Club in early December.
The report even adds that the new boss has also been supportive in recent weeks, which speaks volumes about Arbeloa's faith in the 27-year-old coming good. Indeed, it's claimed that Arbeloa has been looking after the player during his recovery, hoping to potentially get him back into action this weekend against Valencia.
The English defender has been back in training this week, having missed the last seven La Liga matches with a muscle tear.
Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid 2025/26
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Would Liverpool Look to Bring Alexander-Arnold Back to Anfield?
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Before this latest news had put to bed the idea that Arbeloa and Madrid could be aiming to sell the right-back this summer, there was some talk about Liverpool's potential interest in bringing him back to Anfield. However, that never seemed to be likely.
Even if he was put up for sale, the Reds reportedly have little interest in entering the race for his signature. The English outfit signed Jeremie Frimpong in the summer as a replacement, while they also believe in Conor Bradley. As such, they feel that a return for Alexander-Arnold would affect the squad plans that are already in place.
Having left only last summer, sparking such spectacular anger from many members of the Liverpool fanbase, it seems unlikely that either player or club would be keen on a quick reunion. The first half of his Madrid career has been patchy at best, but with Arbeloa's apparent faith, and a return from injury close, perhaps a return in form is just around the corner for Alexander-Arnold.
Stats via Transfermarkt - as of 08/02/26