The move to Real Madrid was supposed to be a coronation, a seamless transition for Trent Alexander-Arnold to footballing royalty. He arrived in the Spanish capital a free agent, a controversial departure from Liverpool that ignited debate among fans. Expectations were sky-high, the right-back position seemingly his for the taking.
Instead, a difficult start has cast a shadow over the dream. Injuries have plagued his early months in La Liga, disrupting any chance of establishing a consistent rhythm. The fluid, influential play that defined his time at Liverpool has been elusive, fueling whispers of a surprisingly swift exit.
Rumors are swirling that several Premier League giants are closely monitoring the situation. Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to make offers, potentially around €40 million, to bring Alexander-Arnold back to English football this summer.
From a purely financial standpoint, such a sale would represent a significant profit for Real Madrid. Acquiring him for a minimal fee just months prior, a €40 million return would be a shrewd piece of business. Clubs are subtly probing, testing the waters to see if Madrid’s resolve – or the player’s – is beginning to waver.
However, despite the speculation and the tempting financial incentive, Real Madrid currently has no intention of selling. Club hierarchy remain steadfast in their belief in Alexander-Arnold’s potential, refusing to entertain offers at this stage. They are committed to giving him time to adapt.
Crucially, Alexander-Arnold himself is equally determined to succeed in Spain. He views his current struggles not as a sign of failure, but as a natural part of the adaptation process – a shift in leagues, countries, and tactical demands. He doesn’t want to leave, believing his quality will ultimately shine through.
Within the club, there’s a strong sense of trust. Sources emphasize that everyone at Real Madrid believes in his abilities, confident that he will eventually deliver the performances expected of a Galáctico. Patience, however, is a luxury rarely afforded at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Bernabéu crowd is notoriously demanding. While support for Alexander-Arnold remains, expectations are exceptionally high. Reputation can buy a player time, but only consistent, top-level performances guarantee long-term survival in such a fiercely competitive environment.
His inability to build momentum has been the primary driver of the exit rumors. The stop-start nature of his appearances has prevented him from finding his footing, hindering his ability to replicate the control and influence he once effortlessly displayed.
The challenge now is clear: overcome the injury setbacks, adapt to the new tactical landscape, and deliver the performances that justified the initial excitement. For both Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid, the stakes are high, and the coming months will be pivotal.