La Liga
What’s Gone Wrong For Alexander-Arnold At Real Madrid? Full Breakdown And Transfer Outlook
When one of football’s worst-kept secrets was finally confirmed, Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid, few were shocked.
Yet for Liverpool supporters, the announcement stung. If there is one value the Anfield fans hold above all else, it is loyalty, and watching one of their own depart seemingly for financial reward struck a painful chord.
As the dust settled, the story grew more complicated, revealing a saga of ambition, misfortune, and a future now shrouded in uncertainty.
A Move Fueled by Ambition And a Quick Downward Turn
Trent had made no secret of his desire to one day win the Ballon d’Or. At Real Madrid, in theory, this dream felt more attainable.
The club’s global platform, relentless title ambitions, and world-class environment appeared to offer the perfect stage.
But football’s unpredictability intervened almost immediately.
A muscle injury in a heavy 4–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain during the FIFA Club World Cup signaled trouble.
That setback was followed by a hamstring injury that forced him to miss seven matches, then a thigh injury that sidelined him for twelve more. The result was a staggering statistic: just eight LaLiga appearances so far, and only three lasting a full 90 minutes.
Even when fit, Trent struggled to find rhythm. Cameo appearances lasting four, eight, and nine minutes highlighted how far he had slipped down the pecking order. One assist in league play did little to ease the scrutiny.
In other competitions, the story wasn’t much brighter. Two assists in five Club World Cup matches and three quiet Champions League outings showed flashes of his creativity, but not enough to justify his star billing.
Coaching Change and a Harsh Reality Check
Real Madrid’s decision to sack Xabi Alonso following a run of uninspiring performances created more turbulence.
For Trent, who had already endured a frustrating start, the arrival of former Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa should have been a fresh beginning.
Instead, if reports are accurate, he was told his services might no longer be required.
It is a remarkably abrupt twist for a player who arrived with so much fanfare and who cost Madrid €10 million simply to sign him six months earlier than planned. For Trent, it is shaping into a nightmare debut season no one could have foreseen.
With his Madrid contract running until 2029, Real are under no pressure to sell. His weekly wages, reportedly around £275,000, further restrict the list of potential buyers.
Only a handful of clubs have the financial strength to consider such a move, especially for a player whose fitness record has suddenly become a glaring concern.
Rumours have already begun circulating. Manchester City is monitoring the situation closely and has reportedly held talks with intermediaries about a potential deal in 2026.
With uncertainty surrounding several of their senior defenders, City clearly sees an opportunity.
But the conversation isn’t simple.
Would Trent even consider City? Would Liverpool fans forgive him if a return to Anfield was on the table? And would Liverpool, with Jeremie Frimpong excelling and Conor Bradley thriving, even want him back?
It is a dilemma layered with emotion and football politics.
Manchester United, despite needing an upgrade on Diogo Dalot, is a non-starter. The idea of a Liverpool icon moving to Old Trafford evokes memories of Michael Owen and the backlash that followed.
Arsenal’s right flank is stacked with Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Ødegaard, making a move unlikely. Chelsea, with their financial muscle, could be a wildcard, but Reece James’ presence complicates the fit.
The Numbers Behind the Player
Despite the struggles, Trent’s underlying statistics remain impressive. Over the past three seasons, his passing accuracy has trended upward from the high-70s in league play to the mid-80s in cup competitions.
His forward passing remains elite: of 3,193 forward passes, 1,819 reached the final third with intent and precision.
Defensively, he continues to defy stereotypes. More than 700 ball recoveries and 160 successful tackles from 236 attempts show that the narrative around his defensive weakness may be exaggerated.
However, one area does need improvement, crossing accuracy. Just 108 of his 453 crosses since 2022 have found their target, with some competitions registering completion rates as low as 20%.
For a player whose early career was defined by his world-class delivery, this is an area that clubs will scrutinize closely.
Madrid’s Official Position
Despite speculation, sources close to Real Madrid insist that Álvaro Arbeloa retains confidence in Trent. The club does not actively want to sell him, believing he can still become a major figure once fully fit.
But frustration is building behind the scenes. Trent himself is said to be determined to fight for his place, but also disappointed with how his first season has unfolded.
This tension leaves the door slightly ajar.
Where Does Trent Go From Here?
At 27, Trent Alexander-Arnold is supposed to be entering his prime. Instead, he finds himself at a crossroads one that could determine the trajectory of the rest of his career.
A Premier League return seems the most likely outcome if things don’t improve. Manchester City remains the strongest candidate, both in terms of finances and tactical suitability.
Chelsea lurks as an alternative. A shock return to Liverpool cannot be completely ruled out but would require forgiveness from supporters and humility from the player.
For now, Trent has a point to prove again. And for a footballer of his talent, that hunger may be the catalyst he needs.
Whether in Madrid or elsewhere, he is no longer the academy kid destined for greatness he is a player fighting to reclaim his narrative.
And that might just be the making of him.
