In a stunning turn of events, former Liverpool and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been told to leave Real Madrid, just months after his highly-anticipated move to the Spanish capital. According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, the 27-year-old has been deemed not part of the plans of new Real Madrid coach, Alvaro Arbeloa.
Arbeloa's Brutal Meeting
Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as head coach earlier this month, has reportedly had a brutal meeting with Alexander-Arnold, making it clear that he is not in his plans for the future. The Spaniard, who enjoyed a successful spell at Anfield during his playing career, has taken a tough stance with the Englishman.
Disappointing Performances and Injuries
The report claims that Alexander-Arnold's struggles at Real Madrid have been well-documented, with the summer arrival putting in a string of disappointing performances and suffering frequent injuries. His early career at the Bernabeu has been blighted by these issues, leading to a breakdown in his relationship with the club staff.
A Nightmare Stay in Spain
Alexander-Arnold's spell at Real Madrid has not gone according to plan, with the defender failing to make the impact that was expected of him. The situation has reached a breaking point, forcing Arbeloa to intervene and make it clear to Alexander-Arnold that he is not a part of his plans.
Just Eight La Liga Appearances
The full-back hasn't made the start to life in the Spanish capital that he would have liked, being consigned to just eight La Liga outings so far. Alexander-Arnold made the highly publicised move to the Spanish giants in the summer, controversially leaving his boyhood club after helping the Reds win the Premier League.
Contract Run-Down
Alexander-Arnold ran down his contract before Real Madrid paid £10million to allow the England international to conclude his contract on Merseyside early, in order to participate in the Club World Cup. The move was seen as a bold one, but it seems Alexander-Arnold's time in Madrid is now coming to an end.
International Implications
As a result of his struggles in Spain, England boss Thomas Tuchel has taken evasive action and opted to leave him out of the recent squads. His last appearance for the Three Lions came in their 1-0 win over Andorra in June 2025, when he made a 26-minute cameo appearance. Alexander-Arnold's absence from the national team has been noticeable, with Tuchel clearly looking for alternatives.
Return to Liverpool?
Upon his return to Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold will be forced to try and usurp Federico Valverde from the full-back position after the Uruguayan has cemented his place as the starter in the position. The 22-year-old academy graduate Raul Asencio has also featured in the position, while veteran Daniel Carvajal is on the comeback trail following his injury.
Valverde's Dominance
Valverde has been a revelation at full-back for Real Madrid, with his versatility and defensive prowess making him an integral part of Arbeloa's plans. The Uruguayan has been a consistent performer, and it will be a tough task for Alexander-Arnold to displace him from the starting lineup.
Carvajal's Comeback
Carvajal has made just seven appearances in the league, 11 in all competitions, but has been introduced as a substitute in two of their last five matches. His comeback from injury has been a slow one, but he remains an important part of Real Madrid's plans, especially in the absence of other options.
What Lies Ahead for Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold's future remains uncertain, with his Real Madrid stay now seemingly over. The defender will be looking to get back to his best, and a return to Liverpool could be on the cards. However, he will have to work hard to regain his place in the team, with competition for places fierce.
Recovery from Injury
Currently, Alexander-Arnold is recovering from a thigh injury and is expected to be ruled out until the beginning of next month. The defender will use this time to get back to full fitness and work on his game, with the aim of returning to the pitch in top form.
Looking to the Future
With his Real Madrid adventure now over, Alexander-Arnold will be looking to the future, with a return to Liverpool the most likely scenario. The defender will be hoping to put his struggles in Spain behind him and focus on what lies ahead, with the aim of helping his team to success once again.
Conclusion
Trent Alexander-Arnold's time at Real Madrid has been a short and disappointing one, with the defender now being told to leave by the new coach. The future remains uncertain for the England international, but a return to Liverpool could be on the cards. With hard work and determination, Alexander-Arnold can hopefully get back to his best and continue his career in the right direction.
