More than 14 months after completing his move from Liverpool to Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold is preparing for a second season in the Spanish capital — this time under a third manager, Jose Mourinho, who returned to the Bernabeu in June for a second spell in charge.

The 27-year-old arrived carrying enormous expectation. Real Madrid saw him as one of the most versatile defenders in world football, a player capable of altering matches through his passing range, crossing ability, and composure in high-pressure situations. Yet his debut season fell short of those lofty hopes.

Injuries and inconsistency

Real Madrid paid Liverpool a reported 10 million euros (£8.4 million) to activate an early release from his contract on 1 June 2025. But injuries quickly derailed his rhythm. A hamstring problem in September kept him sidelined for seven weeks, and a thigh injury in December added another two months to his absence.

Those setbacks denied him the consecutive run of games needed to build form and earn the trust of supporters. He made 35 appearances across all competitions — starting 27 times — as he shared the right-back role with club legend Dani Carvajal. The defensive question marks that had followed him throughout his time at Liverpool resurfaced in Madrid, even as his quality on the ball continued to draw admiration.

The season ultimately passed through the hands of Xabi Alonso and then Alvaro Arbeloa as interim managers, with Real Madrid finishing without a major trophy. Yet Alexander-Arnold ended the campaign in improved form, and signed off by addressing supporters on social media.