Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has been urged to consider re-signing former player Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid, as the Reds continue their summer transfer window activity. The suggestion comes with seven weeks of the transfer market remaining and after Liverpool have already spent £60million on Jeremy Jacquet and £34.5m on Victor Munoz.
Right-Back Woes Prompt Reunion Talk
The Reds were thwarted in their attempts to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig and remain interested in a right winger, with Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola on their shortlist. However, it is the right-back position that has caused most concern, with Conor Bradley injured and Jeremie Frimpong failing to impress in his debut campaign. According to Liverpool ECHO writers Ian Doyle and Mark Jones, a return for Alexander-Arnold could be the solution.
Doyle noted: "The player Liverpool could really do with is Trent Alexander-Arnold given their issues at right-back... Liverpool would be massively bolstered by the return of the England international." However, he acknowledged the unlikelihood, adding: "Common sense dictates the Reds and any of their ex-players parted ways for a reason and shouldn't consider a reunion."
Alexander-Arnold's Mixed Real Madrid Spell
Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer, but his first season in Spain was decidedly mixed. The 27-year-old made 35 appearances, won no trophies, and was omitted from the England World Cup squad. He will now play under new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho. Jones argued that the criticism Alexander-Arnold faced for his defending at Liverpool may have contributed to his departure, but his absence has been keenly felt.
"For years the Reds Academy product was a favourite subject for pundits desperate to tear into his defending, wilfully ignoring the occasions when the two-time Premier League winner... was doing a perfectly fine job," Jones wrote. He added that an Alexander-Arnold comeback "wouldn't make Liverpool a much better team."
Historical Precedents for Returns
The writers pointed to historical examples of players returning to former clubs, such as Ian Rush's return to Liverpool after a year at Juventus and Michael Owen's desire to leave Real Madrid after one season. However, Doyle stressed the adage "never go back" has strong evidence in football, and the chances of a move are "extremely slim, if not completely zero."
With Liverpool still needing reinforcements at right-back, centre-back, and central midfield, the transfer window remains open until late August. The club's pursuit of a right winger continues, but the idea of bringing Alexander-Arnold back to Anfield has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
