Real Madrid weigh Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment after Rodri transfer setback

Real Madrid are considering an unexpected internal solution to their midfield problem after their pursuit of Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri stalled, with the player reportedly close to joining rivals Barcelona.

Jose Mourinho had identified Rodri as one of his main targets and viewed the Manchester City star as a player capable of restoring the balance Real Madrid have lacked since the departure of Germany international Toni Kroos. However, Rodri’s preference for a move to Barcelona has forced the club to reassess its plans for the transfer window.

Rather than immediately returning to the market for another high-profile midfielder, Mourinho is reportedly examining whether Trent Alexander-Arnold can provide an answer from within the existing squad.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER, in a report carried by Sport, says Mourinho is studying the possibility of using Alexander-Arnold in a central midfield role rather than restricting him to his usual position on the right.

The England international joined Real Madrid from Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2025. His principal role was expected to be right-back, but his technical ability, range of passing and confidence in constructing attacks have long made him a candidate for a more advanced and central position.

Mourinho is understood to have started testing that idea during pre-season, giving Alexander-Arnold more central responsibilities to exploit his ability to build attacks and contribute to the creation of chances from deeper areas.

The potential change in role could become more significant following Real Madrid’s failure to sign Rodri. The arrival of Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries to operate as a winger or right-back also gives Mourinho greater freedom to move Alexander-Arnold away from the position for which he was originally recruited.

Real Madrid were expected to return to the transfer market in search of a replacement for Rodri. Mourinho, however, could instead surprise observers by choosing a tactical solution based on the players already available to him.

The club have a strong group of midfielders, including Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Bernardo Silva, but Mourinho is still searching for the most effective combination. During pre-season, he has primarily used a 4-2-3-1 system, increasing the importance of finding the right balance in the centre of the pitch.

Alexander-Arnold’s versatility could offer another option within that structure. His experience as a right-back has given him a prominent role in starting moves, while his passing and ability to deliver the ball into advanced areas could allow him to influence matches from midfield.

The experiment would represent a significant change for a player whose move to Real Madrid was initially designed to strengthen the right side of the defence. It would also underline Mourinho’s willingness to explore tactical alternatives rather than wait for further recruitment.

For now, the proposed change remains an option being assessed during the preparation period. But if Rodri completes his expected move to Barcelona, Alexander-Arnold could emerge as an important new midfield weapon for Real Madrid.