Jamie Carragher urges Trent Alexander-Arnold to rethink Real Madrid move

Jamie Carragher believes Trent Alexander-Arnold should return to Liverpool after struggling to establish himself at Real Madrid, describing the England defender’s decision to leave Anfield as a “huge mistake”.

Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 following a long career with Liverpool, but his first period in Spain has fallen well short of expectations. The right-back is now enduring what has been described as the most difficult spell of his career.

His position at Real Madrid has been reflected in his limited involvement this season. Alexander-Arnold has started only four matches and has dropped to third choice at right-back, behind Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries, under manager Jose Mourinho.

His marginal role was particularly evident in last season’s El Clasico. Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1, but Alexander-Arnold was introduced only in stoppage time, in what amounted to a symbolic appearance given his standing within the team.

Carragher questions decision to leave Liverpool

The situation has prompted Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, to question whether Alexander-Arnold made the right choice by leaving the club.

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Carragher said: “I would bring him back. I think he made a huge mistake by leaving. They are playing a midfielder at right-back, and even in El Clasico, Denzel Dumfries comes on as a substitute. So when you are the third choice at a club, it is obvious they want you to look for a way out.”

Carragher repeated his assessment that the move had been a serious error, while making clear that any potential return to Liverpool would have to fit the club’s sporting requirements.

“I think he made a huge mistake,” Carragher added.

Liverpool have missed his creativity

Carragher also focused on the impact Alexander-Arnold’s departure has had on Liverpool, pointing to the attacking qualities the club lost when the defender left Anfield.

The former England international had played an important role in Liverpool’s build-up play, using his range of passing to launch attacks and create opportunities from the right flank. Carragher believes those qualities have not been fully replaced.

“Rooney was brilliant, but we have a problem building attacks from the back through our full-backs,” he said. “We have definitely missed his creativity.”

Alexander-Arnold’s current role at Real Madrid contrasts sharply with the influence he had at Liverpool, where his ability to progress the ball and produce chances from deep made him a key part of the team’s attacking structure.