Trent Alexander-Arnold is not planning an immediate return to Liverpool despite losing his place in the Real Madrid side, with the defender instead expected to continue competing for regular football in Spain.
The 28-year-old has made an inconsistent start to his second season at Madrid and currently sits behind Federico Valverde in José Mourinho’s plans at right-back. He has started only three of the club’s first nine La Liga matches.
Alexander-Arnold remains focused on Real Madrid
According to Football Insider, Alexander-Arnold intends to remain at Real Madrid rather than seek an emotional reunion with Liverpool. He is contracted to the Spanish club until 2031 and remains part of Mourinho’s plans.
Speculation over a possible return to Anfield has grown as his playing time has become limited, but neither the player nor Liverpool is understood to be pursuing such a move at this stage.
Liverpool continue to assess their options at right-back, yet the club are not interested in making an emotional approach for their former vice-captain. Alexander-Arnold has previously made clear that Liverpool remains important to him and that he continues to follow the club’s progress.
Why a Liverpool return is not straightforward
The appeal of bringing back a Liverpool academy graduate is clear. Alexander-Arnold remains regarded as one of the finest long-range passers in world football and possesses an understanding of the club that few external targets could match.
However, the footballing case for a reunion is less certain. Ronald Araujo, Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley are already competing for the position, while Andoni Iraola’s system places significant physical and defensive demands on its full-backs.
Alexander-Arnold could still provide a major creative threat, but his arrival would not automatically resolve Liverpool’s wider defensive concerns.
His 2025 departure also left some supporters unhappy after he ran down his contract before joining Real Madrid. A return would therefore revive debate over the circumstances of his exit as well as his role in the team.
For now, Alexander-Arnold is expected to fight for his place in Madrid, while Liverpool continue to consider younger alternatives. A reunion cannot be ruled out, but neither side appears ready to pursue one immediately.
