Trent Alexander-Arnold faces fresh uncertainty at Real Madrid after the club made another decision that could affect his playing time and hopes of establishing himself
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF looks on during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on September 20, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold was an unused substitute against Roma(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed another setback at Real Madrid after being left out of the action in their dramatic late Champions League win over Roma.
The England international was an unused substitute, with Jose Mourinho opting to deploy Federico Valverde at right-back late in the game instead. The decision could raise further questions over Alexander-Arnold's standing in the squad and his role under the Portuguese coach.
Speaking after the game, Valverde said that he has welcomed the continued trust of the manager after once again switching from midfield to right-back, insisting he is happy to play wherever he is needed.
The Uruguayan said he was pleased to be getting regular minutes at Real Madrid and added that winning was the priority, while expressing his gratitude for the manager's faith in him.
"The important thing is to win, as the manager said, if things go well, we have to keep going," said Valverde. "I'm happy to continue getting a lot of playing time, I enjoy playing with this badge, I had plenty of space to run. I'm grateful that the manager continues to trust me."
Having struggled to make an impact so far, uncertainty remains over Alexander-Arnold's long-term future at Real Madrid, with the England international's spell at the Bernabeu failing to live up to expectations. There is still time for him to convince Mourinho, but his chances could become more limited if Madrid decide to sign another right-back in the coming weeks or months.
Alexander-Arnold has started just three of Madrid's eight La Liga matches this season, with Mourinho favoring summer arrival Denzel Dumfries on the right side of defense.
METLIFE STADIUM, EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES - 2025/07/05: Federico Valverde of Real Madrid CF looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup quarter final football match between Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid CF won 3-2 over Borussia Dortmund. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Federico Valverde was deployed at right back late on against Roma despite Alexander-Arnold being on the bench(Image: Getty Images)
Spanish outlet Cadena SER reports that Los Blancos are considering Pedro Porro as a potential signing in a future transfer window. The Tottenham right-back is reportedly on the club's radar as they continue to compete with Barcelona for top targets.
The interest comes amid tensions between the La Liga rivals after Rodri, who had been linked with Real Madrid, opted to join Barcelona instead during the summer.
Cadena SER suggests Porro could be an option for Madrid, particularly given concerns over Trent Alexander-Arnold's performances at right-back.
"If Real Madrid comes calling, knowing that Trent Alexander-Arnold isn't convincing at full-back, there might be an option," the report states.
A move for Porro could further complicate Alexander-Arnold's future at the Bernabeu and potentially open the door to a return to Liverpool. The Reds have struggled to find a consistent replacement since his departure, with Conor Bradley hampered by injuries and Jeremie Frimpong yet to make a convincing impact following his $39 million move.