Trent Alexander-Arnold was supposed to be the long-term solution on the right of Real Madrid’s defence. Instead, through the opening weeks of the season under Mourinho, he has started only three of seven matches, was used once in central midfield, and was left on the bench for the Madrid derby before the international break. Denzel Dumfries, signed from Inter Milan over the summer, started in his place.

That is the backdrop against which a return to Liverpool has begun to circulate on both sides of the market. Transfer insider Indy Kaila claimed Alexander-Arnold would be open to a return if the two clubs could reach agreement, and TeamTalk has reported that Liverpool were approached by intermediaries about a potential deal.

Not for sale, says Madrid

Real Madrid publicly rejected the speculation in late August. The club’s position was reported as unambiguous: Alexander-Arnold is not for sale and remains part of Mourinho’s plans.

He also has four years still to run on the six-year contract he signed when he moved to the Bernabéu, giving Madrid every negotiating lever if the stance ever softens.

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The relationship with Liverpool’s supporters is a separate complication. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, was blunt about how a comeback would be received at Anfield.

“It would be a huge surprise if Liverpool looked to bring Alexander-Arnold back. I’m led to believe things haven’t quite worked out for him at Real Madrid so far, but he made his bed and now he has to lay in it,” Brown said.

“They were angry when he decided to leave, and wouldn’t react well if he was looking to come back already, so the club could decide against a move because of that backlash.”

Why Anfield would even think about it

Liverpool’s right-back department has not settled since his departure. Jeremie Frimpong, brought in to inherit the shirt, has struggled under Andoni Iraola and is now more often discussed as a utility option than a locked-in starter.

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Alexander-Arnold’s crossing range and ability to break lines from deep are exactly the assets Iraola’s side has been missing. He is also still only 27, with his peak years in front of him.

A January move has not been floated by either club, and the player’s contract still runs to 2031. The next tangible test comes on the pitch: whether he is back in Mourinho’s starting XI when La Liga resumes after the international break.

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