Liverpool consider Trent Alexander-Arnold loan return as Real Madrid right-back crisis deepens

Trent Alexander-Arnold could return to Liverpool on loan in the upcoming winter transfer window, with Real Madrid reportedly ready to consider his departure after his struggles to establish himself at right-back.

The 28-year-old England international has failed to reproduce the level he showed at Liverpool since moving to the Spanish club two years ago. His difficulties have reportedly left him at the bottom of Jose Mourinho’s list of options for the position.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, sources within Real Madrid say Alexander-Arnold has never fully settled at the club. His decline has also been reflected internationally, with the defender left out of England’s squad for the most recent World Cup.

Real Madrid had originally signed Alexander-Arnold to play alongside captain Dani Carvajal. After Carvajal’s departure, the club brought in Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries during the latest transfer window, but neither player has convinced the coaching staff.

Federico Valverde, despite not being a natural defender, has instead been used at right-back by Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa, and has continued in the role under Mourinho.

The Portuguese manager considers Valverde his first-choice option, despite having previously said the Uruguay international would not play at right-back because it was not his natural position. Valverde’s performances and his ability to organise the midfield have nevertheless made him Mourinho’s preferred solution.

Dumfries is regarded as the second option, while a player from Castilla could be used if necessary.

Liverpool assess possible reunion

Speculation over Alexander-Arnold’s future has increased, with the player understood to earn about €16.7m a year.

Journalist Pacojo Delgado told SER Deportivos that Liverpool had already begun gauging the reaction of supporters and the player’s representatives before potentially making a formal offer to Real Madrid. The initial proposal could be a loan move in the winter window.

Alexander-Arnold, who was born in Liverpool, did not leave the club on entirely good terms with supporters. However, early polling suggests fewer than one in three Liverpool fans would oppose his return, potentially clearing the way for a notable reunion at Anfield.

Two factors could complicate any deal. The first is Alexander-Arnold’s substantial salary, although Liverpool are considered capable of meeting the financial demands. The second is his close relationship with Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham, with the Spanish club reluctant to make a decision that could disrupt the midfielder’s exceptional season.

Delgado also suggested that Mourinho could seek Pedro Porro as part of the wider reshaping of the position.

“I bet Liverpool will push hard, and I also bet that Mourinho wants Pedro Porro in return. He is also a player Deco wants at Barcelona, but that is just my prediction,” Delgado said.

Cadena SER reported several weeks ago that Barcelona had enquired about signing Porro either in the winter or summer transfer window, after noting his strong understanding with Lamine Yamal at the World Cup.

The Spain international wants to return to La Liga because he fears Tottenham’s decline could affect his prospects with the national team. Barcelona is currently his preferred destination, although Real Madrid have not ruled out making a rival move.