Liverpool Monitor Alexander-Arnold Amid Real Madrid Frustrations

Liverpool are monitoring the possibility of bringing Trent Alexander-Arnold back to Anfield as the England international struggles for regular playing time at Real Madrid. Reports published October 19, 2026, indicate that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also tracking the 28-year-old defender, whose role in Madrid has become increasingly uncertain under manager José Mourinho.

Alexander-Arnold has struggled to establish himself since joining Real Madrid in 2025. According to reports from TEAMtalk and Football365, he made just 14 starts last season and has started only three times in the current campaign, with his overall playing time further restricted by injury problems.

Real Madrid's decision to deploy midfielder Federico Valverde at right-back against Sevilla on Sunday, despite Alexander-Arnold being available, raised further questions about the defender's standing. The former Liverpool academy graduate was also left on the bench for a second consecutive match, according to FootballTransfers.

Liverpool's interest comes as the club continues to address its right-back position following Alexander-Arnold's departure. Jeremie Frimpong has struggled to establish himself as a consistent replacement and is facing another spell out injured, while Ronald Araujo, a summer loan signing primarily known as a center-back, has featured at right-back.

TEAMtalk reported that Real Madrid are not actively seeking to sell Alexander-Arnold and that the player remains happy in Spain. However, the club could consider a reasonable offer if his circumstances do not improve. His salary, agreed when he joined in 2025, could complicate negotiations with potential suitors.

Alexander-Arnold's reduced playing time has also affected his international prospects. Reports indicate that he missed out on England's World Cup squad, adding uncertainty to his future at both club and international level.

Football365 reported that Liverpool are considering a move in the summer transfer window, while other coverage has raised the possibility of a departure as early as January. No completed transfer or formal agreement has been reported, and Alexander-Arnold's immediate objective remains securing a regular place in Mourinho's side.

Liverpool's right-back options have been further affected by Frimpong's latest injury. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said the defender was unlikely to recover before the November international break, although the club would continue working toward his return.

Iraola addressed Frimpong's condition while discussing the recovery timeline, saying, "Jeremie is a new injury and we will have to wait until he recovers. It's going to be difficult before the break, but we will try."

Araujo's longer-term position at Liverpool also remains unresolved. The Uruguay international has a contractual clause that could allow Liverpool to make his loan move permanent from Barcelona in the summer, but he said it was too early to discuss his future.

Araujo emphasized his focus on his current responsibilities, saying, "It's very early to be talking about these kinds of things."

The defender described his priorities at Liverpool and his satisfaction with the move, adding, "I'm just trying to enjoy every day, continue to grow, develop, to play, to give what's required of me, to have that confidence."

Araujo also discussed his personal circumstances since joining the club, saying, "I'm really happy to be here, my family are also very happy. But it's a bit early to be talking about those kinds of things."

Alexander-Arnold's departure in 2025 followed his decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid, initially expected to be a move on a free transfer before the Spanish club paid a fee to secure his arrival ahead of the Club World Cup. His return would therefore involve both sporting considerations and the challenge of rebuilding his relationship with Liverpool supporters, some of whom booed him when he returned to Anfield with Real Madrid during the previous Champions League campaign.

Beyond Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are monitoring the defender's circumstances, according to TEAMtalk, while Bayern Munich are also among the clubs linked with him. Real Madrid have not announced any decision regarding his future.