Two years ago, Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed a bold ambition to win the Ballon d'Or, a goal that seemed out of reach for a defender. That statement marked the beginning of the end of his time at Liverpool, as he subsequently moved to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants paid 12 million euros to secure his services early, reflecting their high confidence in the player. However, nearly 18 months later, the dream move appears to have stalled significantly.
The 28-year-old has started only 18 of 50 possible LaLiga matches since his arrival. Injuries and frequent changes in management at the Bernabeu have contributed to his limited playing time. Under head coach Jose Mourinho, who was appointed in July, Alexander-Arnold has fallen behind Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries in the right-back pecking order. His current season has seen him start just five of 16 games across all competitions, with only one appearance in the Champions League.
Speculation about a return to Liverpool has grown as his status in Madrid remains uncertain. At Anfield, the team has struggled with chance creation since his departure. Under manager Andoni Iraola, Liverpool has generated only 17 big chances in the Premier League this season, a figure surpassed only by newly promoted teams Hull City and Coventry City. Alexander-Arnold, who holds the record for the most assists by a defender in Premier League history, could add a valuable creative dimension to the squad.
Liverpool's right-back position has also been problematic. Conor Bradley has been sidelined with a knee injury since January, while Jeremie Frimpong has struggled with fitness. Although Ronald Araujo has performed well, his background as a central defender limits his ability to build attacks from the back. A return for Alexander-Arnold would offer him a chance to reignite his career in a familiar environment, especially with the 2028 European Championship approaching.
However, the path back to Merseyside is not without obstacles. Financially, both clubs would need to negotiate carefully, as Liverpool originally received a modest fee for the player. There are also questions about his injury history, which has seen him miss significant game time in recent years. Furthermore, his return could disrupt the current team hierarchy, as he was a senior figure and vice-captain when he left.
Former Liverpool players have offered mixed views on a potential reunion. Jamie Carragher stated that he would welcome Alexander-Arnold back, citing the team's need for creativity. Steven Gerrard, however, remained uncertain about whether it would be the right decision for the current group and supporters. The fanbase itself was divided when he first left, with some booing him, though many believe his on-pitch contributions would eventually heal any rifts.
For Alexander-Arnold, returning too soon could be seen as an admission of failure. He has built a strong personal brand in Spain and may prefer to establish success there before considering a move back. Real Madrid currently sits just three points behind the top of LaLiga, whereas Liverpool is fourth in the Premier League, nine points behind the leaders. The defender remains under contract until 2031, giving him time to prove his worth in Spain if he chooses to stay.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether Alexander-Arnold can reassert himself in Mourinho's system or if the pull of his old club becomes too strong. If he does not find a way to excel in Madrid soon, his early dreams of individual glory may remain just that, dreams.
