Jose Mourinho’s feelings about Trent Alexander-Arnold have resurfaced amid rumours of a major squad cull should the current Benfica boss return to Real Madrid this summer. ‘The Special One’ is the runaway favourite to replace Xabi Alonso, and bringing the club back into line will be top of his agenda.
After a turbulent campaign and a dressing room filled with big personalities, many within the club believe Mourinho is the ideal figure to steady the ship and restore order. Following recent talks with club president Florentino Perez, Real Madrid’s hierarchy are said to view Mourinho as the man best equipped to regain control behind the scenes.
The Portuguese manager reportedly believes he can get the best out of Kylian Mbappe and other personalities said to have their hand on the steering wheel, provided he is given full authority over team selection with backing from above.
However, with Los Blancos set to finish a second straight season without silverware, several players may be shown the door as the club prepares for a brutal firesale. Up to nine current stars are now reportedly viewed as surplus to requirements, both in terms of attitude and performance.
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How Mourinho Feels About Trent Ahead of Real Madrid Move
trent alexander-arnold real madrid
While many onlookers believe Mourinho's arrival could spell the end of Trent's fruitless tenure in Madrid, given the fact his attacking tendencies don't suit his potential new head coach's usual philosophy, the Englishman is not currently being considered for the chopping block.
In 2019, as per MSN, Mourinho praised the England international alongside his former full-back partner, Andy Robertson. The duo was among Liverpool’s standout performers during Jurgen Klopp's tenure. During the 2019/20 campaign in which the Reds secured their sixth Champions League title, they registered an impressive 29 assists in 88 combined appearances across all competitions. Of the duo, he said:
“The two full-backs also have to be Liverpool players, amazing players, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. Amazing character and personality. Alexander-Arnold is a local boy, Robertson is a Scottish boy that a few years ago was relegated with Hull City.
"And both they are physical, they are aggressive, they are what I call in football ‘the good arrogance’, they are not afraid to play, they go forward, they participate in attack.”
Trent and Jose Mourinho
The former Chelsea manager's appreciation for Trent's personality is a particular point of interest, and could be the determining factor behind why the right-back - who has had a mixed start to life in Spain - isn't among those considered to be nearing the exit.
Just a little less than a year on from the 27-year-old joining Real Madrid for a cut-throat price, he has record five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions. Now established as the club’s first-choice right-back under Alvaro Arbeola, his season has also been disrupted by hamstring and thigh injuries, which have contributed to inconsistent form.
The 9 Players Real Madrid Have Put on their Transfer List
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez poses for pictures.
Laureus World Sports Awards - Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid, Spain - April 21, 2025 Real Madrid president Florentino Perez arrives ahead of the awards ceremony REUTERS/Juan Medina
According to reports from Spanish outlet ABC, it appears that Real’s squad may look very different by the time Mourinho is settled at the club. The outlet claims that up to nine players will either be sold, loaned or leave on free transfers following the conclusion of the current campaign.
Veteran defenders David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are expected to leave upon the expiration of their contracts this summer, while midfielder Dani Ceballos is seen as surplus to requirements and will likely move on after seeing his game time reduced to scraps in recent weeks.
Argentine starlet Franco Mastantuono, who arrived from River Plate in 2025, will likely go out on loan, while Los Blancos are also keen to cash in on Eduardo Camavinga, Raul Asencio, Gonzalo García and Fran Garcia. Back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin could also leave should the right offer be tabled for the Ukrainian international, who no doubt has the qualities of a first-choice.