Arbeloa tells Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave just 7 Months after Liverpool exit
The situation between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid has shifted from a "dream move" to a potential exit just seven months into his six-year contract. Following the appointment of Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach on January 12, 2026, reports have surfaced regarding a definitive breakdown in their relationship.
Trent officially joined Real Madrid on June 1, 2025, after running down his contract at Liverpool. While he left as a free agent, Madrid reportedly paid a small fee (around £10 million) to secure him early so he could participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. He signed a lucrative six-year deal keeping him at the Bernabéu until 2031.
The Current Nightmare
What was supposed to be a "Galactico" transition has turned into a struggle. Trent has faced several hurdles:
Managerial Change: The man who likely championed his signing, Xabi Alonso, was sacked earlier this month. He has been replaced by former Madrid and Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa.
Performance & Fitness: Trent has managed only 11 appearances this season due to persistent fitness issues, including a significant quadriceps injury in December 2024 that has kept him out through January.
Tactical Friction: Reports from Spanish outlets like El Nacional suggest Arbeloa has already held a "frank conversation" with Trent, telling him he is not in the club's long-term plans due to concerns over his defensive work rate.
The Conversation
Arbeloa held a direct, one-on-one meeting with Alexander-Arnold shortly after taking over from Xabi Alonso. During this "frank conversation," the message was clear: Trent is not part of the club’s long-term tactical vision. Arbeloa, a former uncompromising defender himself, reportedly cited several football-specific reasons:
Defensive Reliability: Arbeloa is said to be unimpressed with Trent's defensive work rate and positioning, viewing him as too much of a liability in high-stakes matches.
Attacking Output: Paradoxically, Trent has also struggled to provide the "creative spark" that defined his Liverpool career, leading the staff to view the experiment as failing on both ends of the pitch.
Predictability: The manager reportedly feels that Trent’s playstyle has become "predictable," making him easier for La Liga defenses to neutralize.
A potential return to Liverpool
A return to Anfield is being discussed in the media, though it remains complicated by the nature of his free-transfer exit in 2025. While some fans still harbor bitterness over his exit on a free transfer, there is minor "Bring Him Home" chatter.
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