Trent Alexander-Arnold, the 27-year-old England defender, joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 on a low transfer fee after leaving Liverpool as a free agent. Now, just months into his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, reports from Spain suggest interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa has told him to look for a new club this summer. The move came amid high hopes, but injuries and poor form have clouded his future there.
Background
Alexander-Arnold spent his entire career at Liverpool until 2025. He helped the club win a record 20th Premier League title before letting his contract run down to force a move abroad. Real Madrid snapped him up for around 12 million pounds, seeing him as a perfect fit for their attacking style. He debuted in the FIFA Club World Cup, where fans expected him to shine alongside stars like Kylian Mbappe and his friend Jude Bellingham.
The club wanted a right-back who could push forward, deliver crosses, and create chances. Alexander-Arnold had redefined the full-back role at Liverpool with his passing and set pieces. But things went wrong fast. Injuries kept him out for long stretches. He has played only 11 games this season, with his last appearance on December 3, 2025. Defensive errors in those matches drew criticism, and his attacking play looked predictable against La Liga's top teams.
Real Madrid sacked their previous manager, Xabi Alonso, who had given Alexander-Arnold time to settle. Alonso, a former Liverpool player, had backed him publicly. Now, with Arbeloa in charge on an interim basis, the tone has shifted. Spanish papers like El Nacional report a direct meeting where Arbeloa laid out the player's status.
Key Details
The meeting between Arbeloa and Alexander-Arnold happened recently. Sources close to the club say the coach was clear and direct. He told the player he does not fit into future plans. This is not about discipline, but pure football reasons. Arbeloa believes keeping him on the bench would hurt both sides. No more minutes are expected under his watch.
Injury and Form Struggles
Alexander-Arnold's body has not held up. Multiple injuries sidelined him early on. When fit, he struggled to adapt to Real Madrid's high press and quick transitions. His defensive side, once solid enough, got exposed in big games. Teammates like Bellingham could not cover for him every time. The staff see his style as too one-dimensional now.
Real Madrid paid a small fee but now wants to sell in the summer window. They think a quick exit helps everyone. Alexander-Arnold agrees his time in Spain has not worked out. He needs regular games to rebuild form ahead of England's 2026 World Cup push under Thomas Tuchel.
"Trent is a top player, but this is his first period here. It is demanding, and we have to help him through this significant change." – Xabi Alonso, former Real Madrid manager
Other reports paint a different picture. Some British outlets say Arbeloa did not tell him to leave. They claim the player will stay and fight for his spot. This split in stories shows how fast football news moves. Spanish media push the exit line hard, while others hold back.
Interest from clubs is growing. Newcastle United in the Premier League are watching closely. They could offer 35 million pounds for an undisputed starter role. Bayern Munich has been linked too. A return to Liverpool gets talked about, though fans there still feel sore about his exit.
What This Means
For Alexander-Arnold, the stakes are high. At 27, he is in his prime years. Sitting out could cost him his England place. Tuchel called him up recently, but poor club form makes selection tough. A move to a calmer league or team might let him regain confidence. Premier League sides know his strengths best.
Real Madrid needs cash and squad space. Selling him brings in funds for new targets. Arbeloa wants players who fit his system right away. If the exit happens, it ends a short experiment that started with big dreams.
The club sits top of La Liga but faces injury crises. Bellingham carries much of the load. Losing Alexander-Arnold frees a spot, but finding a replacement mid-season proves hard. Fans expected more from the Englishman, and patience is thin in Madrid.
England's World Cup hopes factor in too. Tuchel builds around experienced players. Alexander-Arnold's passing could shine internationally, but he must play club games first. A summer sale lines up with the tournament, giving him time to settle elsewhere.
Talk of a Liverpool reunion persists. The club needs depth at right-back. He knows the system and city well. Mending fan ties would take work, but football forgives quick if results follow.
Newcastle offers a fresh start in England. Their money and ambition match his wage demands. Bayern wants Premier League talent to boost their Bundesliga push.
No deal is done yet. January window closes soon, but a summer move seems likely if talks heat up. Alexander-Arnold focuses on training while his agent fields calls. Real Madrid eyes the title and Champions League above all.
