Trent Alexander-Arnold has Liverpool return planned already amid La Liga woes | Football | Sport

Trent Alexander-Arnold has previously expressed his desire to return to Anfield at some point in the future, amid speculation surrounding his future at Real Madrid. Conflicting reports have surfaced concerning the former Liverpool right-back’s standing at the Bernabeu following a disappointing opening half to the season. After Xabi Alonso’s sacking, Spanish outlets claimed new boss Alvaro Arbeloa had instructed Alexander-Arnold to find a new club this summer, putting several potential destinations on alert.

Nevertheless, subsequent reports have suggested this information is inaccurate and that he continues to enjoy Arbeloa’s backing. Either way, Alexander-Arnold’s move to Los Blancos hasn’t materialised as he’d envisaged. The 27-year-old hasn’t appeared since early December due to injury and has struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter when fit. A summer departure cannot be ruled out, though a potential Liverpool return appears improbable given the anguish felt by Reds fans when he confirmed his departure after more than two decades at the club. Alexander-Arnold has previously suggested he intends to return to Anfield eventually, though as a spectator with his children.

Speaking during his farewell interview with the club website, he said: “There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back. I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that’s where I’ve played, and to show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together.”

In a message to supporters, he added: “Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back.

“I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, I’ll always be a Liverpool fan.”

In an appeal for supporters’ understanding, he said: “I just hope that people will be able to see and understand that I’ve given everything to the club, I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now.

“I’ve sacrificed everything, I’ve done everything I’ve ever needed to do to try to help the team win games. And no matter what, that will never change.

“I’ll forever be a fan of the club, there’ll be no change in that. I’ll always be watching the games, I’ll be supporting from a distance. But in terms of a player at the club, I think now is the right time for me to move on and challenge myself elsewhere.”

Given his struggles in Madrid, Alexander-Arnold could be contemplating another fresh start in the near future. He has already made one visit back to Anfield, receiving jeers from sections of the home support after entering as a substitute during the Reds’ Champions League triumph over Los Blancos in November.

Right-back has emerged as a troublesome position for Arne Slot this season, with injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley undermining stability. However, an unexpected return to Merseyside for Alexander-Arnold remains improbable, though not completely out of the question.