Trent Alexander-Arnold would follow in the footsteps of many big names if he returned to Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold back at Anfield with Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold is being tipped to return to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Talk of Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to Liverpool just won't go away as his Real Madrid struggles continue. Alexander-Arnold has slipped to third-choice in the right-back pecking order and was an unused substitute in Real's El Clasico victory at Barcelona on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have failed to adequately replace Alexander-Arnold following his departure at the end of the 2024/25 title-winning season. Ronald Araujo has impressed in the position recently, but he is primarily a central defender and isn't a long-term solution.
Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong, currently out injured, has had a frustrating time at Anfield so far, with midfielders often being preferred at right-back even when he's fit. There's an argument that Alexander-Arnold coming home would make sense for all concerned.
Jamie Carragher is among those who would welcome him back, saying recently: "We do have a problem in terms of full-backs passing. We've definitely missed his creativity."
While many Liverpool fans weren't happy with Alexander-Arnold's decision to quit the Reds and made their feelings loud and clear, the relationship isn't irreparable. And he wouldn't be the first player to leave Liverpool before returning down the line. Here are five notable examples…
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Trent Alexander-Arnold right-back of Real Madrid and England during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 8, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold made a controversial move from Liverpool to Real Madrid (Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ian Rush
First spell: 1980-1987
Second spell: 1988-1996
Liverpool's all-time record goalscorer left for Juventus in 1987 for a British record fee. After a single season in Italy, where he didn't settle, Rush returned to Anfield and went on to win another First Division title and two more FA Cups.
Ian Rush celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Everton in 1989
Ian Rush made a successful return to Anfield(Image: Mark Leech/Offside via Getty Images)
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Robbie Fowler
First spell: 1993-2001
Second spell: 2006-2007
Still known affectionately as 'God' by the Anfield faithful, Fowler established himself as one of the Premier League's most lethal finishers before being sold to Leeds. Rafa Benitez brought him back on a free transfer in January 2006, allowing the academy graduate a brief second stint in front of the Kop.
Rafa Benitez and Robbie Fowler
Rafa Benitez brought Robbie Fowler home(Image: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
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Craig Bellamy
First spell: 2006-2007
Second spell: 2011-2012
The combative Welsh forward spent a single season under Benitez, which included a run to the 2007 Champions League final, before leaving for West Ham. He returned four years later under Kenny Dalglish and was part of the team that won the League Cup in 2012.
Craig Bellamy.
Craig Bellamy's return was brief(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Steve Staunton
First spell: 1986-1991
Second spell: 1998-2000
The reliable Republic of Ireland defender won the First Division title and the FA Cup during his first stint. He left for Aston Villa in 1991 before returning on a free transfer seven years later to provide experienced cover at the back.
Steve Staunton
Steve Staunton spent a couple of years back at Anfield before moving on again(Image: PA)
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Rickie Lambert
First spell: 1992-1997
Second spell: 2014-2015
Few will recall Lambert's first stint at the club as he released at the age of 15. The boyhood Red worked his way up from the lower leagues to become an England international at Southampton. He returned to Liverpool in 2014 for £4m to finally fulfil his dream of playing for the first team.