Trent Alexander-Arnold’s start to life at Real Madrid has been underwhelming, and his time at the club could already be coming to an end just seven months after leaving Liverpool
12:45, 23 Jan 2026Updated 12:45, 23 Jan 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s time at Real Madrid might be up(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
New Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has reportedly told Trent Alexander-Arnold to LEAVE the club seven months after joining from Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold, 27, has endured a difficult first season with the La Liga giants, failing to nail down a place in their starting line-up and dealing with injury setbacks.
The England international hasn’t been helped by the behind-the-scenes issues which eventually led to Xabi Alonso’s sacking. Arbeloa, who was previously in charge of the club’s B team, was appointed to replace Alonso earlier this month and he’s already putting his stamp on things.
Spanish outlet El Nacional report that Arbeloa has sat down with Alexander-Arnold for a frank conversation, telling him to leave Madrid for his own good in the summer transfer window. Arbeloa also told the former Liverpool star that he isn’t in the Real’s long-term plans and it’s purely a sporting decision.
The report adds that Alexander-Arnold’s entourage are already working to identify clubs that he could join this summer. Bernabeu chiefs site his poor defensive work rate and underwhelming output in attack as the reasons for deciding to let him go.
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Alexander-Arnold has only made 16 appearances for Real, who paid £10million to have in time for last summer’s Club World Cup. The 27-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in September and was sidelined again with a muscle problem last month.
Due to his fitness issues, Alexander-Arnold has only played once under England manager Thomas Tuchel and isn’t guaranteed a place in the Three Lions’ squad for the World Cup. Alonso suggested that the right-back would be given time to prove himself.
“Trent is a top player, and we need him,” the now ex-Madrid boss affirmed. “It’s his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He’s also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change.”
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Alvaro Arbeloa has been ruthless with Trent Alexander-Arnold(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
After quitting Liverpool to join the 15-time European champions, Alexander-Arnold felt as if he’d settled into the group quickly. “I can’t say enough about the lads and how they made me feel welcome and at home,’ he said in June.
‘They’ve all put in a lot of effort, spoken to me, made me feel comfortable and made sure any questions I had – especially with the translations and things – they’ve helped me a lot with everything. I can’t thank them enough and now we’re excited for the game to start.”
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