Premier League Clubs Monitor Trent Alexander-Arnold Situation as Real Madrid Struggles Continue

The summer of 2025 marked a seismic shift in Liverpool Football Club’s history when Trent Alexander-Arnold, the club’s vice-captain and one of their most iconic homegrown talents, made the decision to leave Anfield for Real Madrid. The move sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with many Liverpool supporters struggling to come to terms with the departure of a player who had been synonymous with the club’s recent success. However, less than a year into his Spanish adventure, speculation is mounting that the English right-back’s time at the Santiago Bernabéu may be shorter than anyone anticipated

When Alexander-Arnold signed for Real Madrid last summer, it represented the end of an era for Liverpool. The 27-year-old defender had been viewed by many as a future club captain, someone who would emulate the legendary careers of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher by dedicating his entire professional life to the Reds. His journey from the Liverpool academy to becoming one of the world’s premier right-backs had been nothing short of remarkable, and his departure left a significant void both on and off the pitch.

The decision to pursue a new challenge with one of football’s most prestigious clubs was understandable from a career perspective. Real Madrid’s allure is undeniable, and for a player of Alexander-Arnold’s ambition, the opportunity to test himself in a different league and compete for European glory with Los Blancos must have been tempting. However, the reality of his move has proven far more challenging than perhaps he or anyone else expected.

Six months into his Real Madrid career, Alexander-Arnold has struggled to replicate the exceptional form that made him such a vital component of Liverpool’s success. The technical quality, creative vision, and defensive contributions that defined his time at Anfield have been notably absent during his initial period in La Liga. This underwhelming start has not gone unnoticed, with Spanish media and Real Madrid supporters beginning to question whether the club made the right decision in pursuing the English international.

The adaptation to Spanish football has proven more difficult than anticipated. The tactical differences between the Premier League and La Liga, combined with the immense pressure of performing for Real Madrid, appear to have impacted Alexander-Arnold’s confidence and effectiveness. Where he once dictated games from the right flank with his exceptional passing range and delivery, he has looked tentative and uncertain in the famous white shirt.

Adding to his difficulties, Alexander-Arnold has also been plagued by injury problems since arriving at the Bernabéu. These fitness issues have disrupted his ability to build momentum and establish himself within Carlo Ancelotti’s system. For a player who thrives on rhythm and consistency, these setbacks have been particularly problematic and have prevented him from showcasing his true capabilities to his new supporters.

Given these struggles, it should come as little surprise that speculation about Alexander-Arnold’s future is already beginning to circulate. According to recent reports, several Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation closely, with some prepared to make significant financial commitments to bring the defender back to England.

Manchester City were initially identified as the primary club interested in Alexander-Arnold’s services. Pep Guardiola’s side has long admired the English defender’s technical abilities and creative output from right-back, viewing him as someone who could seamlessly fit into their possession-based system. The prospect of Alexander-Arnold linking up with one of Liverpool’s fiercest rivals would undoubtedly be painful for Reds supporters, but Manchester City’s interest demonstrates that Premier League clubs still believe in his quality despite his struggles in Spain

More recently, Manchester United and Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race for Alexander-Arnold’s signature. Both clubs are said to be willing to pay approximately €40 million, roughly £35 million, to secure the right-back’s services when the summer transfer window opens in July. This level of interest from multiple Premier League clubs suggests that English sides view his difficulties at Real Madrid as a temporary setback rather than a permanent decline in his abilities.

Manchester United’s interest is particularly intriguing given the club’s historical rivalry with Liverpool. The Red Devils are in the process of rebuilding their squad and see Alexander-Arnold as someone who could significantly strengthen their right flank while adding homegrown talent to their roster. Newcastle United, meanwhile, continue to leverage their financial resources to attract top talent as they aim to establish themselves among England’s elite clubs.

Despite the mounting speculation and reported interest from Premier League clubs, Real Madrid’s stance on Alexander-Arnold’s future remains clear. According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Los Blancos have no intention of entertaining offers for the defender and believe he remains content at the club. This position makes sense from Real Madrid’s perspective, as selling a player after just six months would represent a significant admission of failure and could undermine their recruitment strategy.

The Spanish giants invested considerable resources in acquiring Alexander-Arnold, both financially and in terms of their reputation. Allowing him to leave so quickly would send a worrying message about the club’s ability to integrate new signings and could impact their attractiveness to future transfer targets. Furthermore, Real Madrid’s hierarchy is likely taking a long-term view of the situation, recognizing that adaptation periods are natural, particularly for players moving to a new country and league.

The injury problems that have hampered Alexander-Arnold since his arrival provide Real Madrid with additional justification for maintaining patience. It’s difficult to fairly assess any player’s capabilities when they’ve been unable to string together consistent appearances due to fitness issues. Los Blancos will reasonably argue that Alexander-Arnold deserves more time to overcome these setbacks and demonstrate the quality that prompted them to sign him in the first place

While Real Madrid may be publicly expressing confidence in Alexander-Arnold’s future, the reality is that six months can bring dramatic changes in football. If the English defender continues to struggle and fails to establish himself as a key player by the end of the season, the club’s position could soften considerably. Real Madrid has shown throughout its history that it’s willing to move on from players quickly if they don’t meet expectations, regardless of reputation or transfer fee.

For Liverpool supporters, the prospect of Alexander-Arnold returning to English football raises complex emotions. On one hand, seeing their former vice-captain struggle at Real Madrid may evoke some sympathy and a desire to see him succeed. On the other, the thought of him representing a direct rival, particularly Manchester United, would be deeply troubling for the Anfield faithful.

The comparison with Michael Owen is particularly relevant in this context. Owen’s move from Liverpool to Real Madrid and subsequent transfer to Manchester United remains a controversial chapter in Liverpool’s recent history. Many Reds supporters still harbor resentment toward Owen for that decision, viewing it as a betrayal of his Liverpool roots. Liverpool fans would hope that Alexander-Arnold, should he leave Real Madrid, would show greater sensitivity to the club’s supporters and avoid joining a direct rival.

If Real Madrid does decide to listen to offers for Alexander-Arnold, interest would likely extend far beyond the Premier League. European clubs in Germany, Italy, and France would presumably be interested in acquiring a player of his pedigree, particularly at a price point of around €40 million, which would represent excellent value in today’s market. A move to a club outside England might be the most diplomatic solution, allowing Alexander-Arnold to rebuild his career without tarnishing his Liverpool legacy

The situation raises important questions about how Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool legacy would be affected by a move to a Premier League rivl. His contributions to the club during his time at Anfield were immense. He helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and numerous other trophies. His assists, set-piece deliveries, and overall creativity from right-back revolutionized the position and inspired a generation of young fullbacks.

However, football history shows that legacies can be complicated by late-career decisions. Players who spent the majority of their careers at one club but finished elsewhere are often remembered differently by supporters. If Alexander-Arnold were to return to England and represent Manchester United or Manchester City, it would inevitably color how Liverpool fans remember his time at Anfield, regardless of his achievements in red.

The Anfield faithful would hope that if Alexander-Arnold does leave Real Madrid, he would consider the emotional and historical implications of his next move. Choosing a club far removed from Liverpool’s immediate sphere of competition would demonstrate respect for his former club and supporters, preserving the positive memories of his time on Merseyside

As things stand, it remains early in Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid career. Six months is insufficient time to conclusively judge whether a transfer has been successful, particularly when injuries have limited the player’s opportunities to showcase his abilities. Real Madrid’s decision to stand firm and resist any approaches is both understandable and sensible at this stage.

However, football moves quickly, and situations can evolve rapidly. If Alexander-Arnold’s second half of the season mirrors his first, with continued fitness problems and underwhelming performances when available, pressure will mount on both the player and the club. Real Madrid’s patience, while commendable, is not infinite, and the club’s history shows it’s willing to make difficult decisions when necessary.

The summer transfer window will be crucial. Premier League clubs circling Alexander-Arnold are unlikely to make firm moves until the season concludes and a clearer picture emerges of his situation. If Real Madrid qualifies these months as a settling period and Alexander-Arnold shows signs of adapting to Spanish football, interest may cool. Conversely, if struggles continue, offers will arrive, and Real Madrid will face a decision about whether to persist with a player who hasn’t lived up to expectations.

For Liverpool supporters watching from afar, the situation must be bittersweet. There’s no joy in seeing a former player struggle, particularly one who gave so much to the club. At the same time, there’s a recognition that Alexander-Arnold made his choice last summer and must now navigate the consequences of that decision.

The speculation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Real Madrid illustrates how quickly circumstances can change in modern football. A move that seemed destined for success has encountered significant obstacles, and now, less than a year later, a return to England is being seriously discussed. Whether this materializes remains to be seen, but the situation is certainly worth monitoring as the season progresses.

Multiple Premier League clubs standing ready with substantial offers demonstrates that English football still values Alexander-Arnold highly despite his Spanish struggles. The coming months will determine whether Real Madrid’s patience is rewarded with improved performances or whether the relationship reaches a premature conclusion. Whatever happens, the transfer saga that began last summer when Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool is far from over, and its next chapter promises to be equally compelling for football observers everywhere.