Headline: Trent Alexander-Arnold Faces Uncertain Future at Real Madrid Amidst Managerial Decisions
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s season has begun on a challenging note as the full-back seeks to establish a starting position at Real Madrid. After joining the club in June 2025, aspirations of becoming the first-choice right-back have not yet materialized.
With the recent signing of Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan, competition for the right-back role has intensified. Manager Jose Mourinho now seems to prefer Fede Valverde, typically a midfielder, in that position, leaving Alexander-Arnold as the third choice and raising questions about his future with the team.
So far, Alexander-Arnold has featured in seven of Real’s 13 matches this season, starting only four and contributing just one assist during a 4-0 victory over Malaga. His playing time has significantly decreased in the last four matches, where he was not involved against Roma or Sevilla, did not make an appearance against RB Leipzig, and only played briefly in the Clasico, entering during stoppage time.
Alexander-Arnold recently celebrated his 28th birthday and arrived at Real Madrid with high expectations. The club demonstrated their commitment to him last summer by paying 10 million euros (£8.33 million) to release him early, allowing him to participate in the Club World Cup rather than waiting for his Liverpool contract to expire.
Despite his contract running until 2031, he now finds himself at a crossroads.
‘A dream come true’
During his initial press conference, Alexander-Arnold made a lasting impression by speaking Spanish and expressing that joining Real Madrid was indeed a “dream come true.” He shared his excitement, saying, “I’m very happy and proud to be here. I’m eager to show the club and the fans what I can do.”
Initially, there was optimism surrounding his signing, which appeared part of the club’s succession plan for the right-back position, potentially covering for Dani Carvajal and serving as a long-term successor. However, his first season has not met those expectations, as injuries and a lack of consistent playing time limited him to 21 La Liga appearances out of a possible 38, with only 14 of those being starts.
Several factors contributed to this challenging start in Madrid. A hamstring injury in September, followed by a thigh injury in December, disrupted his debut season. Additionally, a muscle issue during pre-season hampered his preparations. The managerial turnover at the club, marked by Xabi Alonso’s exit and Alvaro Arbeloa’s subsequent appointment, further complicated his adjustment to the new environment.
Could he leave Real Madrid in January?
Amidst speculation about a possible departure in January, Mourinho acknowledged the tough decisions surrounding player selections, expressing that while it pains him to leave any player feeling sidelined, team priorities must take precedence. “When you build a squad with two players per position as your foundation and then have a third player take the field, that’s something I don’t like,” he stated, emphasizing the need for strategic decisions in the team’s interest.
Mourinho has previously recognized Alexander-Arnold’s versatility and tactical acumen, underscoring that effective squad rotation is integral to Real’s success. In August, he indicated that competition for positions would be vital, highlighting both Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries.
Notably, Alexander-Arnold’s positional flexibility was showcased in a recent match against Inter Milan, where he played in central midfield due to the unavailability of other options. Mourinho praised his tactical understanding during that performance, indicating that the defender adapted well.
A return to Liverpool?
In a separate discussion, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher expressed his openness to Alexander-Arnold’s return to the club, suggesting that the player’s move to Madrid may not have been the best decision. Carragher remarked, “We’ve definitely missed his creativity,” adding commentary on Alexander-Arnold’s current status as third-choice right-back at Real Madrid.
As he looks ahead, Alexander-Arnold will hope for increased playing time in the upcoming three matches, including two league games and one Champions League fixture, before the international break. He also aims to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, set to be announced on November 6, prior to the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. Having been recalled in September after a long absence from the national team, his club performance will play a crucial role in Tuchel’s selection decision.
