Real Madrid Reject Trent Alexander-Arnold Sale as Liverpool Return Speculation Grows
Real Madrid have reached a clear decision on the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold: the England international is not for sale this summer, despite growing calls in England for a sensational return to Liverpool. The Spanish giants, now under the management of Jose Mourinho for a second spell, view the 27-year-old as an important part of their plans and are prepared to give him the platform to rediscover his best form after a challenging first season at the Bernabeu.
Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool in the summer of 2025 remains one of the more contentious transfers of recent years. After coming through the Anfield academy and establishing himself as one of the most creative right-backs in world football, he chose not to renew his contract. Real Madrid paid a reported €10 million (around £8.4 million) to secure his early release so he could feature in the Club World Cup, rather than waiting for his deal to expire at the end of June. He signed a long-term contract running until 2031. The move was framed by the player as a new challenge after more than 20 years at his boyhood club, during which he won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and multiple other trophies.
His debut campaign in Spain, however, proved far from straightforward. Alexander-Arnold featured in 35 of Real Madrid’s 62 matches across all competitions and made 21 La Liga appearances, starting 27 times in total. Injuries disrupted his rhythm significantly. A hamstring problem kept him out for seven weeks early in the season, followed by a thigh issue that sidelined him for around two months later on. He shared the right-back role with the experienced Dani Carvajal and faced the usual adaptation challenges of a new league, language, city and tactical system. Real Madrid changed managers during the period, moving from Xabi Alonso to Alvaro Arbeloa, and the team failed to claim a major trophy. Defensive questions that had sometimes followed him at Liverpool resurfaced in a more demanding environment, and he missed out on England’s World Cup squad.
By the end of the 2025-26 season there were signs of improvement. Alexander-Arnold posted a message to Madrid supporters expressing gratitude for their support and stating that he felt at home after an initial adjustment period. He promised to work hard over the summer and help deliver trophies. That message has taken on added significance with the return of Mourinho as head coach in June 2026.
Mourinho’s arrival has coincided with increased competition for places. Real Madrid signed Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan on a four-year deal, adding a more physical, athletically robust option on the right flank. Carvajal’s departure further reshaped the position. Some observers suggested this could push Alexander-Arnold towards the fringes. Instead, reports indicate Mourinho has been impressed by the Englishman’s attitude, work rate and versatility during pre-season. The Portuguese coach values his ability to step into central areas, contribute to build-up play and deliver high-quality crosses, through balls and set-pieces — qualities that distinguish him from more conventional full-backs.
In pre-season friendlies, Mourinho has experimented with both players. Against Fiorentina, Alexander-Arnold started at right-back with Dumfries deployed higher up the right side. The former Liverpool man took set-piece responsibilities and drifted into midfield zones during possession phases. He also completed full 90-minute appearances in other matches. Speaking after returning to training, Alexander-Arnold described the sessions as intense and praised Mourinho’s high standards, saying he had always admired the coach and was eager to learn from him.
Meanwhile, speculation about a return to Liverpool has gathered pace in the English media and among supporters. Liverpool have experienced their own issues at right-back, with questions over the consistency and availability of options such as Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. Some pundits have argued that the Reds miss Alexander-Arnold’s delivery, particularly with a target man striker who thrives on crosses. Talk of a possible loan or permanent reunion has circulated, with suggestions that both clubs might benefit — Liverpool regaining a proven creator and Madrid potentially easing a high-salary player whose adaptation has been gradual.
Those calls have been firmly rejected by the Spanish club. According to reports citing sources close to Real Madrid and Spanish outlet AS, Mourinho considers Alexander-Arnold a useful tactical piece and believes he can regain top form. The club has no intention of entertaining offers and will reject any proposals. Earlier in the year, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano had already stated that Madrid were happy with the player’s attitude after a difficult adaptation period and that he would stay, dismissing talk of a Premier League return or a move to Saudi Arabia.
The situation illustrates the risks and rewards of high-profile free or low-fee transfers. Liverpool lost a homegrown star of significant quality without a major fee, while Real Madrid secured a player of proven pedigree who still needed time to settle. For Alexander-Arnold himself, the 2026-27 season represents a pivotal campaign. Consistency, fitness and a clear role under Mourinho could silence doubters and restore him to the England picture under Thomas Tuchel. A continued struggle for minutes, however, would only intensify the external noise.
At present, the decision from the Bernabeu is unambiguous. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a Real Madrid player. The club and its new manager are prepared to back him through the next phase of his career in Spain. Whether that faith is repaid with the level of performances that once made him one of Europe’s standout creators will be one of the more closely watched storylines of the coming season. For now, any talk of an Anfield homecoming remains firmly in the realm of speculation.
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