Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool return is getting closer with an announcement now imminent - with Real Madrid's future now clear
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
21:31, 26 Feb 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold
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Trent Alexander-Arnold could be set for a Liverpool return(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool return is getting closer with Real Madrid's future now clear.
The Reds had already secured their spot in the last-16 of the Champions League after finishing third in the league phase. They will go up against either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray, with an announcement regarding their route to the final set to be made following the draw on Friday.
Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid clinched their place into the Champions League last-16 after defeating Jose Mourinho's Benfica 3-1 on aggregate on Wednesday evening, with Alexander-Arnold participating for the full 90 minutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced issues during his first year at Real Madrid(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Should Liverpool draw the Turkish giants, then the Reds could be on a collision course with Madrid, with a potential clash between the two in the semi-finals.
If Liverpool are to play Atletico, then the tantalising prospect of Liverpool facing Los Blancos in the final in Budapest becomes a reality.
Regardless of who Liverpool face, Alexander-Arnold could be set to play against his former club once again this season, as long as both sides at least make it to the semi-finals, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Trent Alexander-Arnold following his return to Anfield with Real Madrid
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Trent Alexander-Arnold following his return to Anfield with Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool and Madrid have already crossed paths in this year's Champions League, with the Reds securing a 1-0 victory at Anfield during the league phase.
Alexander-Arnold perhaps didn't anticipate that he would return to his childhood club so swiftly after transferring to Madrid in the summer.
With the 27-year-old's exit from Anfield being somewhat controversial, the reception for the right-back at Anfield back in November was perhaps all too predictable.
The full-back started the night on the bench for Madrid. Shortly after Liverpool had taken a 1-0 lead, the crowd was in high spirits and they further exercised their vocal cords when Alexander-Arnold was substituted in with 10 minutes remaining.
The England defender has been sharing the right-back position with Madrid veteran Dani Carvajal and missed a portion of the La Liga season due to injury.
His start from the bench at Anfield didn't come as a surprise. The former Anfield hero was largely met with boos as he eventually made his way onto the pitch.
Fans then made a point of singing about club legend Steven Gerrard and Alexander-Arnold's replacement at right-back, Conor Bradley, in a dig at their former favourite.
The 15-time Champions League winners and six-time champions have clashed in two European Cup finals since 2018, with Madrid triumphing in both encounters.
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It's highly probable that Liverpool will want to steer clear of Madrid at any stage in this year's knock-out rounds given their recent history. Nevertheless, the wheels appear to be in motion for a sensational reunion between Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool.