Liverpool have been urged to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold back to the club to solve their ongoing right-back problems. The academy graduate made a controversial move to Real Madrid just over a year ago.
Although he was out of contract at Anfield last summer, Real Madrid paid a fee of around £10 million to complete the transfer in time for the Club World Cup. Since arriving in Spain, Alexander-Arnold has struggled to establish himself as first choice at the Bernabeu, with injuries disrupting his first season.
What Liverpool are missing
The Reds have lacked exactly what the 27-year-old used to provide: consistent availability at right-back, quality on the ball through progressive passing from deep and dangerous crosses from wide positions. Those problems have continued into this summer, with new manager Andoni Iraola relying on limited options. Conor Bradley remains injured, while Jeremie Frimpong has been unpredictable.
TalkSPORT pundit Angelina Kelly believes the situation should be explored. "I know what it's like for a player to, in your opinion, betray the club – especially one of your own, especially being a Liverpudlian. I get it," she said. "When Real Madrid come calling, it is hard to say no – we have to be honest with that – and he's made the move and it hasn't really worked out."
She added: "And you look at Liverpool, and you think, do they need a new right-back? I mean, [Jeremie] Frimpong didn't look great last season – I think he's probably better playing further forward – [Conor] Bradley injured. I think maybe they should cut their losses and just explore the Trent situation. I'm not saying you've got to sign him immediately – let's just explore this. Because Real Madrid have signed another right-back in Denzel Dumfries – that is not good news for Trent. So, why can't everyone just take some ownership...take a bit of accountability, and we can all come back together and be happy?"
Would a return be realistic?
While the idea may attract attention, it is probably too early for bridges to be rebuilt. After only 12 months away, lingering resentment over the transfer could remain, and a return might be seen as driven by practicality rather than genuine commitment. For now, there is no indication that his Real Madrid chapter will end.
Denzel Dumfries has been signed as competition, but Alexander-Arnold was chosen ahead of him in Saturday's 2-2 pre-season friendly draw against Fiorentina. Under new boss Jose Mourinho, the defender could get the chance to play regularly and rediscover the form missing over the past year. If that fails to happen, further doubts may emerge over his long-term prospects.
