Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a possible return to Anfield, as his struggles at Real Madrid appear to continue
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 finds himself out of favor at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool ace Peter Crouch has claimed he would take Trent Alexander-Arnold back at Anfield "in a heartbeat", amid links surrounding a return for the right-back.
The 28-year-old was a key player for the Reds through the years, having made his senior debut a decade ago, cementing the right-back position as his own with his incredible range of passing and crossing ability.
After such a long stint with Liverpool, the defender decided that it was time for a change, announcing that he would be leaving the club last summer to join Real Madrid at the expiration of his contract.
That was greeted with frustration by supporters, who made it clear that they didn't like the decision, as Alexander-Arnold made his switch to the Spanish capital.
It hasn't been easy for either party since the move. Liverpool hasn't quite managed to deal with issues at right-back, though Ronald Araujo is making a case for that to be his position long-term, while the England international has failed to make a regular place for himself in the Real Madrid team.
With a lack of regular minutes under Jose Mourinho this season, there have been plenty of links surrounding an exit for Alexander-Arnold that have caught the eye.
That includes suggestions that a move back to Liverpool could be on the cards, either in the January transfer window or in the following summer market. It's a possibility that has split opinion so far, considering how the defender left the club last year.
However, for Crouch, it's a move that he would want to see done immediately, if the Reds can secure a return for Alexander-Arnold. Speaking to PaddyPower, he said: “As a talent, as a player, I think you'd have him back in a heartbeat…
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF greets fans during the LaLiga EA Sports football match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF
Trent Alexander-Arnold has once again been linked with a return to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
"I don't think they've replaced [Andy] Robertson and Trent [Alexander-Arnold]. In my opinion, I still think they'd be the two best full-backs at the club.”
It's unclear whether Liverpool will truly pursue a move if the defender becomes available, but for now, it seems as though his full focus will be on turning things around at Real Madrid while he still can.
There is competition for places that will make things tough, with Denzel Dumfries and Federico Valverde seemingly above Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order for Mourinho.
Should that continue, then it leaves the former Liverpool star in a position where a decision will have to be made one way or another, either accepting his role in the team as the second or even third-choice right-back, or to pursue a different challenge where he may land some more game time.
It sets up an interesting few months for Alexander-Arnold, who will have some key decisions to make if his situation doesn't change in the next two months and beyond.