Trent Alexander-Arnold's challenging first season at Real Madrid has fuelled speculation over his future, but the club have moved to quash suggestions that he has been encouraged to depart in the summer window. Reports claiming interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa held frank discussions urging the 27-year-old to find a new club have been refuted, with sources close to Madrid emphasising no such directive has been issued. Alexander-Arnold, who completed a high-profile switch from Liverpool in the summer of 2025 after letting his contract expire, remains part of the squad plans despite limited minutes.
The transfer materialised after prolonged uncertainty at Anfield, where Alexander-Arnold informed the club of his intention to leave upon the end of his deal in June 2025. Real Madrid, under then-head coach Xabi Alonso, secured him on a six-year contract with a reported £10m early-release fee to enable participation in the Club World Cup. The move represented a dream step for the Scouser, joining England colleague Jude Bellingham and reuniting with his former academy mentor Alonso. Yet adaptation has proved difficult: recurring fitness setbacks, including a recent issue sidelining him for nearly two months, have restricted him to just 11 appearances across all competitions this term, with only a handful of starts in La Liga and the Champions League.
Injury Impact and Squad Dynamics
Alexander-Arnold's output has been curtailed significantly by physical problems, yielding just one assist and no goals in those outings. Competition from established options like Dani Carvajal, combined with Madrid's tactical demands, has made regular selection elusive. His market value has dipped accordingly, with estimates now around €70m – a notable drop from his final months at Liverpool. The defensive demands of La Liga have exposed vulnerabilities in his game that were less pronounced in the Premier League, where his attacking contributions often compensated for positional lapses. Under Alonso initially, and now Arbeloa following any managerial shift, the emphasis on defensive solidity has highlighted areas for improvement.
Despite the noise, Madrid's stance is clear: Alexander-Arnold is not being pushed towards the exit. The club views his technical quality and set-piece expertise as assets worth persevering with, particularly given the long-term nature of his deal running to 2031. Any potential departure would command a substantial fee to recoup investment and reflect his pedigree, though current form and fitness make a big-money exit unlikely in the immediate term. Interest from Premier League sides, including reported monitoring from Manchester City and even Chelsea, has surfaced amid his struggles, but Madrid appear unwilling to entertain short-term sales unless circumstances change dramatically.
Market Reaction and Broader Implications
Betting interest in Alexander-Arnold's trajectory has intensified as speculation swirls. Markets have priced in the possibility of a return to England, with some movement on his next destination reflecting uncertainty at the Bernabeu. Punters tracking developments can check the current Trent Alexander-Arnold next club odds, where prices indicate scepticism over an imminent exit but acknowledge growing chatter. A return north would carry emotional weight, though financial and competitive realities – including wages aligned to Madrid's structure – complicate any move.
For Liverpool, under Arne Slot, Alexander-Arnold's departure marked the end of an era, with the right-back having contributed immensely during a trophy-laden spell. His exit on a free, followed by the early fee arrangement, provided some financial mitigation, but replacing his creativity from deep remains a challenge. The Reds' defensive unit has evolved in his absence, yet his vision and passing range are not easily replicated.
Path Forward at the Bernabeu
Alexander-Arnold's immediate priority is regaining full fitness and consistency upon his expected February return. Madrid's hierarchy, focused on sustained success in domestic and European competitions, will assess his progress over the coming months. If he can displace Carvajal or establish a hybrid role, the narrative shifts firmly in his favour. Persistent absence or underperformance could reopen discussions, but for now the club line holds firm. This episode underscores the risks of high-profile moves: elite talent does not always translate seamlessly across leagues, and patience is required before judgements are made. Alexander-Arnold's undoubted quality suggests he can still thrive at Madrid – the question is whether time and form align before external pressures mount further.