Trent Alexander-Arnold could be at the centre of one of the biggest transfer stories of the January window, with Liverpool reportedly considering a sensational move to bring their former academy star back to Anfield.
The England international only left Liverpool for Real Madrid in 2025, but his difficult start to life in Spain has already led to growing speculation about a possible return to Merseyside.
There is currently no agreement between Liverpool and Real Madrid for the defender, but reports suggest the Reds could explore the possibility of a reunion when the January transfer window opens.
And with Liverpool still looking for consistency at right-back, the idea has suddenly become much more interesting.
Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid situation
Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 after ending his long association with Liverpool.
The move brought an emotional end to a remarkable spell at Anfield. The defender joined Liverpool’s academy at the age of six and went on to make 354 appearances for the first team, scoring 23 goals and contributing 86 assists across all competitions. He also won the Premier League twice, the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and other major trophies.
Real Madrid announced in May 2025 that Alexander-Arnold had signed a contract running until June 2031, meaning any Liverpool comeback would require the Spanish giants to agree to a transfer.
His first season in Madrid, however, was disrupted by injuries and competition for his position. He made 30 appearances in all competitions but started only 14 La Liga matches, according to reports.
Things have not become completely straightforward this season either.
Real Madrid brought in Denzel Dumfries during the summer, creating further competition at right-back. Alexander-Arnold has still featured, and he produced an impressive performance against Malaga in August, creating Kylian Mbappe’s goal during a 4-0 victory.
Real Madrid’s official player statistics currently list him with five appearances, one assist and 292 minutes in the 2026/27 campaign.
Liverpool’s right-back problem
The situation at Liverpool could make a return particularly tempting.
Since Alexander-Arnold’s departure, the Reds have attempted to rebuild the right side of their defence. Jeremie Frimpong was brought in from Bayer Leverkusen, while Conor Bradley has also been expected to compete for the position.
However, injuries and tactical questions have made the position less settled than Liverpool would have wanted.
That has already resulted in other players being used in the position, while reports continue to link Liverpool with potential right-back targets.
The possibility of bringing Alexander-Arnold back therefore has an obvious footballing appeal: Liverpool already know exactly what he can offer.
His passing range, crossing ability and creativity from deep made him one of the defining full-backs of the Premier League era.
Liverpool could face a major decision
Reports earlier this month suggested that Alexander-Arnold is among the names Liverpool could consider for January, although no bid has been made.
A report published on September 17 claimed that Liverpool could potentially secure his return for around $69 million, although that figure should be treated as a reported valuation rather than an agreed transfer fee.
There have also been reports that Liverpool’s January planning includes a possible reunion with their former right-back. However, those reports do not establish that negotiations with Real Madrid have actually begun.
That distinction is important because Alexander-Arnold remains a Real Madrid player with a contract that runs until 2031.
Alexander-Arnold has not forgotten Liverpool
Interestingly, the player himself has continued to speak warmly about his former club.
In August, Alexander-Arnold revealed that he still watches Liverpool’s matches and described the club as a place he will always consider home.
He also addressed the anger from Liverpool supporters following his decision to leave, acknowledging that the booing and disappointment were understandable given his long relationship with the club.
His comments inevitably fuelled speculation about whether a future return could eventually happen.
However, his immediate focus remains Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old is also back in the England setup after Thomas Tuchel recalled him for the September and October Nations League fixtures. Tuchel described the recall as an opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to fight for his place.
Could Trent really return to Anfield?
For now, a Liverpool comeback remains a possibility rather than a done deal.
Real Madrid would have to be willing to sell, Liverpool would need to decide that Alexander-Arnold is the right solution to their right-back situation, and the financial terms would have to work for both clubs.
There is also the question of how Liverpool supporters would react.
Alexander-Arnold left Anfield after a hugely successful career with his boyhood club, but his departure generated significant disappointment among sections of the fanbase. His previous return to Anfield with Real Madrid was met with a hostile reception from some supporters.
Nevertheless, football can change quickly.
If Alexander-Arnold continues to struggle for a regular starting role in Madrid and Liverpool’s problems at right-back persist, the possibility of an unlikely reunion could become one of the most intriguing stories of the January transfer window.
For now, there is no confirmed Liverpool agreement, but the reported interest means the door to a sensational Anfield return has at least been discussed.
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