Liverpool have been urged to consider a dramatic move to re-sign Trent Alexander-Arnold following a disappointing debut campaign at Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old departed Merseyside just over a year ago in a transfer that caused significant upset among the Anfield faithful.
His time in Spain has fallen well short of expectations.
Alexander-Arnold managed only 14 LaLiga starts during the season and failed to register a single goal across all competitions for the first time since breaking into senior football.
Trent Alexander-Arnold came under fire from Liverpool fans after his departure
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Although Real Madrid paid roughly £10 million to secure the deal ahead of last summer’s Club World Cup despite his contract having expired, the academy product has been unable to nail down a regular starting berth at the Bernabéu, with injuries also hampering his progress.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Transfer Insiders, pundit Angelina Kelly made the case that Liverpool should set aside the emotional fallout and investigate a potential reunion. She pointed to clear defensive shortcomings in Andoni Iraola’s squad as justification.
“I know what it’s like for a player to, in your opinion, betray the club – especially one of your own, especially being a Liverpudlian. I get it,” Kelly said.
“When Real Madrid come calling, it is hard to say no – we have to be honest with that – and he’s made the move and it hasn’t really worked out.”
Kelly highlighted Liverpool’s ongoing vulnerability on the right side of defence. “Frimpong didn’t look great last season – I think he’s probably better playing further forward – Bradley injured… I think maybe they should cut their losses and just explore the Trent situation,” she argued.
Denzel Dumfries has been signed by Real Madrid, adding more uncertainty to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s position
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The arrival of Denzel Dumfries at the Bernabéu has made Alexander-Arnold’s situation in the Spanish capital considerably more precarious.
José Mourinho is reportedly leaning towards the Dutch defender owing to his greater defensive reliability, pushing the Englishman further down the pecking order.
Kelly urged all parties to adopt a pragmatic approach. “I’m not saying you’ve got to sign him immediately – let’s just explore this. Because Real Madrid have signed another right-back in Denzel Dumfries – that is not good news for Trent,” she said.
“So, why can’t everyone just take some ownership… take a bit of accountability, and we can all come back together and be happy?
“I think that there is a way back, and surely there’s one Liverpool fan listening that would have him back – I can’t be on my own here.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed in his final game at Anfield
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Despite the growing commentary, a reconciliation between Alexander-Arnold and the Liverpool supporters may be premature.
With barely a year having passed since his departure, residual bitterness over the manner of his exit could prove a significant obstacle, and any homecoming risks being perceived as motivated by convenience rather than genuine devotion to the club.
There is also no concrete suggestion that his spell in Madrid is nearing its end. Alexander-Arnold was selected at right-back ahead of Dumfries in Saturday’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Fiorentina, offering an early indication that Mourinho has not written him off.
Under the Portuguese manager’s guidance, the defender may yet find the consistency that eluded him throughout his first twelve months. Should that opportunity pass him by, however, questions over his future will only intensify.
