Trent Alexander-Arnold has reached out to Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho for a personal meeting to discuss his playing time, as speculation regarding a possible return to Liverpool intensifies.
The English full-back has struggled to reach the heights he showcased during his time at Liverpool. This season, he has only started three matches in La Liga and once in the Champions League, while sitting on the bench for six games without logging a single minute.
The situation in Madrid and transfer rumblings
Reports suggest the player aims to discuss his future and his need for more game time with the Portuguese coach. However, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has dismissed the idea of an exit in the January transfer window:
No, not in January. Right now, he feels: ‘Okay, this isn’t my time, but it will come, and I am preparing for it.’ That’s how he sees it.
Competition for the right-back position at Real is fierce, with Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries ahead of Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order. Occasionally, Eder Militao has also been deployed in the role. Due to squad injuries, the Englishman has even had to play out of position in midfield. Nevertheless, Mourinho has advised the player to continue working hard, and Alexander-Arnold remains determined to succeed in Madrid, not contemplating a departure.
Against this backdrop, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on their former prodigy as the winter transfer window approaches. The hierarchy at Real have no intention of forcing the defender out, meaning he will need to fight for his place in Mourinho's plans.
