Did Trent Alexander-Arnold Just Make the Biggest Blunder of His Career by Ditching Liverpool for Real Madrid?
As his transfer to Spain's capital city approached, Trent Alexander-Arnold found himself emotional, taking in his last moments at Anfield with tears streaming down his face.
A crowd of supporters in red jerseys celebrated Arne Slot's squad as they prepared to claim the 2024–25 Premier League championship on the season's concluding day. For Alexander-Arnold, this marked his second domestic title and ninth trophy earned with Liverpool.
The English defender forged a reputation that many could only aspire to achieve. Since joining at six years old, Alexander-Arnold devoted himself entirely to Liverpool, guiding his childhood team to victory in every major competition across England and Europe. The defender, serving as vice-captain, seemed destined to eventually lead the team as captain.
However, barely three weeks following the Reds' triumph celebrations in Merseyside, Alexander-Arnold was delivering speeches in perfect Spanish during his Real Madrid unveiling.
The 26-year-old departed Liverpool to embark on a fresh career phase in Spain, reuniting with close friend and fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham, alongside Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, at football's most prestigious institution.
Alexander-Arnold pursued a different challenge, one that might elevate him into Ballon d'Or contention, an aspiration he previously identified as his ultimate ambition.
However, his introduction in the white jersey didn't unfold as expected. Alexander-Arnold delivered a lackluster performance in his FIFA Club World Cup debut, experiencing defensive difficulties similar to previous occasions throughout his career. He subsequently appeared in only four additional matches before sustaining an injury that sidelined him during the semifinals when PSG demolished Real Madrid 4–0 at MetLife Stadium.
Moving ahead to the 2025–26 campaign's beginning, the 34-cap England player again fell short of expectations, this time during his La Liga premiere. Alexander-Arnold managed just one successful cross from seven attempts, recorded zero tackles, and was defeated in every duel. He also missed his target with all four long passes he attempted.
Xabi Alonso subsequently chose Dani Carvajal ahead of his marquee acquisition for Real Madrid's second seasonal fixture, allowing Alexander-Arnold merely three substitute minutes during the 3–0 triumph against Real Oviedo.
Immediately, what had been quiet speculation began intensifying. Did Alexander-Arnold err in departing Liverpool? Is Carvajal threatening his starting position? Where does he belong within Real Madrid's system?
Yet those raising these concerns overlooked that Alonso also rotated three additional players that match, including Vinícius Júnior. Nobody doubted the Brazilian's Madrid future, so why such intense scrutiny regarding Alexander-Arnold?
This attention likely stems from his Liverpool achievements. The foundation he established on Merseyside. The affection he received from the Reds' fanbase. Should Alexander-Arnold have abandoned all that to struggle at Real Madrid, it would rank among football's most significant miscalculations in recent times.
Nevertheless, he earned selection for Los Blancos' following encounter versus Mallorca and performed excellently. Alexander-Arnold linked up with Mbappé for what should have been his inaugural La Liga assist, but the French striker was ruled offside.
Alexander-Arnold also excelled defensively, executing a crucial tackle in the 59th minute that maintained Real Madrid's slender advantage.
All discussion about Carvajal replacing Alexander-Arnold on the right wing immediately ceased. The experienced 33-year-old will certainly feature regularly this season given Los Blancos' demanding fixture list, but Real Madrid didn't pursue Alexander-Arnold for nearly two years and provide him a six-year deal to remain a substitute.
Obviously, Alexander-Arnold requires time to adapt to different teammates, a new coach, and an unfamiliar league. Not everything will be flawless during his initial appearances in the white kit.
One aspect remains certain: He represents the emerging generation of stars inheriting the Santiago Bernabéu. He belongs to Real Madrid's tomorrow. And establishing himself as a foundation player at the world's largest and most accomplished club is far from an error.