Trent Alexander-Arnold encouraged to consider a surprising career move after Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid rejection
Just two games into Jose Mourinho’s time as Real Madrid’s new coach, Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing a big decision about his future at the club.
Even though Trent joined Real Madrid last summer, his place in the team isn’t guaranteed. Mourinho has chosen to start with new right-back Denzel Dumfries in his first two La Liga games. Trent, who left Liverpool for Real Madrid in a surprising move before last summer’s Club World Cup, only got 10 minutes on the pitch in their 2-1 win against Espanyol.
In the latest match on August 26, Trent stayed on the bench during a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, where Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick. It’s unclear if things will get better for Trent in Madrid, but so far, his time there hasn’t gone as hoped—he has seven assists and no goals in 36 games for Real Madrid.
Even though he’s under contract until 2031, many fans think it might be time for Trent to come back to the Premier League as he enters the prime of his career.
One fan said, “A top Premier League right-back came to Real Madrid but ended up benched by a Serie A player. Trent could be the greatest right-back in the Premier League but chose money over loyalty.”
Another added, “Trent, who should be leading his boyhood club, is now just sitting on the bench for another team. He’s going to struggle.”
Others pointed out how Dumfries took the spot, with one fan saying, “Who would’ve thought Dumfries would keep Trent out of the Real Madrid starting lineup? Trent came with high hopes but now has to fight for his place.”
Some fans feel Trent has hurt his own legacy by leaving Liverpool. One wrote, “He gave up a guaranteed legendary status chasing fame and money and is now a backup for Dumfries. If I were him, I’d do anything to get back to Liverpool.”
Another suggested, “Bring Trent back on loan. He knows Liverpool, the fans, and would fit right in. It might not please everyone, but it’s a good option for this season.”
Before Real’s game against Sociedad, football expert Andy Brassell said a loan to Newcastle could help Trent’s career if a return to Liverpool doesn’t happen. Speaking to talkSPORT, Brassell explained, “Newcastle needed a right-back before they signed Dedic. Trent would be amazing there, given their speed and playing style. The Premier League is probably the best place for him because of finances, and there aren’t many options besides Liverpool. He’s a great player who doesn’t always get the credit he deserves.”
Real Madrid will play again at home against Malaga on August 30.