Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer in a £10million deal, ending a trophy-laden spell at his boyhood club. The 26-year-old won two Premier League titles, a Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, a Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup during his time at Anfield, but his departure was met with anger from some fans.
After announcing his move, Alexander-Arnold expressed regret over the disappointment his exit caused. “I completely understand the feelings that go with that,” he said. “It’s something you don’t want to do – you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down.” He insisted he made the decision for himself but acknowledged the hurt it would bring.
His return to Anfield in November’s Champions League clash was decidedly frosty. Booed by the crowd as he came off the bench with 10 minutes remaining, he also faced chants in support of Steven Gerrard and his replacement, Conor Bradley. The reception underlined the lingering bitterness over his transfer.
On the pitch, Alexander-Arnold has struggled to make an impact at Real Madrid. He has rotated with Dani Carvajal at right-back, suffered a six-week injury lay-off in September, and been forced off again in December during his best performance for the club, where he registered his first La Liga assist. Spanish newspaper Marca described him as “clueless and insubstantial”.
He also had to contend with a managerial change, as Xabi Alonso was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa after just six months. Rumours that he had been told to find a new club were later denied, but his transition to life in Spain has been far from smooth.
