Emile Heskey urges Trent Alexander-Arnold to consider Bayern Munich move

Former Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey believes Bayern Munich could offer Trent Alexander-Arnold a positive next step as the defender struggles for regular first-team football at Real Madrid.

Heskey said the England right-back’s attacking qualities outweigh the criticism directed at his defensive ability and admitted he would also like to see Alexander-Arnold return to Liverpool.

“Bayern Munich would be a good option for Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Heskey told Eldorado. “The Bundesliga is extremely competitive and he would be joining the biggest club in Germany, which would be great for him, although I would love to see him return to Liverpool.”

He added: “Despite all the criticism we talk about regarding his defensive ability, his strengths outweigh his weaknesses. What he provides when he moves forward to contribute in attack goes far beyond those criticisms.”

Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 after deciding not to renew his Liverpool contract. His move ended an association with the English club that had lasted almost 20 years, having joined its academy at the age of six.

Limited opportunities in Madrid

The 28-year-old has been unable to establish himself as a regular starter during his first season at Real Madrid, with injuries disrupting his start at the club. He made 21 La Liga appearances in the 2025-2026 season, starting 14 of them.

His position has become more difficult during the current 2026-2027 campaign, with increased competition at right-back and Real Madrid’s coaching staff turning to other options.

Manager Jose Mourinho has prioritised Federico Valverde, followed by Denzel Dumfries, limiting Alexander-Arnold’s playing time.

Real Madrid paid £10m to secure the player’s arrival in time to take part in the Club World Cup, despite his Liverpool contract having been due to expire only a few days later.

Alexander-Arnold was expected to become one of the world’s leading players in his position when he moved to the Spanish capital. However, adapting to the club has proved challenging. He has made 30 appearances in his first season, starting 22 matches, in a campaign that has produced inconsistent performances.

After only one year, Real Madrid recognised the need to rely more heavily on Dumfries at right-back, while Valverde has continued to show he can make an impact on the right side.

Distinguished Liverpool record

Alexander-Arnold made 354 appearances for Liverpool’s first team, scoring 23 goals and providing 86 assists.

He helped the club win the Champions League in 2019, the Premier League in 2020 and 2025, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

His move to Real Madrid was intended to provide a new challenge and help him pursue European ambitions. Only a few months before leaving Liverpool, he had spoken of his desire to win the Ballon d’Or.

Neither the player nor Real Madrid is currently thought to be considering an immediate separation, but reports suggest his limited involvement could eventually lead both sides to reassess his future in Spain.