Although Trent Alexander-Arnold could have finally completed a successful move to the Spanish capital in May, the former Liverpool defender suddenly finds himself at the heart of a Bernabeu nightmare.
The 27-year-old left his boyhood club under extremely controversial circumstances and was at the center of a major transfer saga and came under heavy scrutiny.
However, the England international has made just eight appearances in La Liga so far this season and has seen Xabi Alonso leave Madrid after just eight months, but has also suffered a series of high-profile injury problems.
Although Alexander-Arnold may have put pen to paper on a nice long-term deal at the Bernabeu in the run-up to the 2025/2026 season, there is already plenty of speculation about his future in Madrid.
Despite only just saying goodbye to Anfield, it is even suggested that new Los Blancos boss Alvaro Arbeloa does not see the versatile English defender as part of his plans.
Alexander-Arnold’s nightmare comes to life in Spain
While Alexander-Arnold may have been at the center of a mighty transfer saga before arriving in Madrid, the 27-year-old has completely failed to find his place among Spain’s elite.
Making just five La Liga starts this season and dealing with yet another muscle injury, the extended full-back has not appeared in a competitive match since December 3.
Completing what quickly became a messy departure from his boyhood club in May after refusing to sign multiple new extension offers, it certainly felt like Alexander-Arnold had a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders when he arrived in Madrid.
Despite being keen to reinstate himself into Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup, it is difficult to see a world where Madrid’s struggling star is on a plane to North America.
While Alonso may have been a vocal admirer of the 34-cap international, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss has already left the Bernabeu and questions are swirling about how Arbeloa rates the ex-Liverpool superstar.
While Los Blancos president Florentino Perez may have publicly overseen Alexander-Arnold’s successful move to the Bernabeu, reports over the past week have suggested that Madrid have already started assessing potential right-back options.
As frustration grows over Alexander-Arnold’s nightmare at the 15-time European champions, there is speculation that Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot is seen as a real target.
EXCL: Real Madrid and Bayern Munich circle Diogo Dalot as defensive weaknesses and injury problems hit both clubs at full-back.🇵🇹
A bidding war could be in the offing.🤑
Special features⤵️ @Sportboomcomhttps://t.co/E3D1sCO68R https://t.co/gzJRhv6fed
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) January 29, 2026
Could an infamous move to Man City be on the cards?
While fans at Anfield may have made their frustrations clear following Alexander-Arnold’s announcement that he would be ending his two-decade association with Liverpool, there will surely be an equivalent level of anger should their former academy graduate make a shock move to another of their historic rivals.
While Manchester City might have welcomed compatriot Marc Guehi to the Etihad less than a fortnight ago, it is widely reported that Pep Guardiola has a new right-back as his first priority this summer.
While former Wolves star Matheus Nunes may have transformed into a makeshift full-back, it is no secret that the Sky Blues have failed to fill the void left by Kyle Walker’s absence.
With Rico Lewis failing to find his place as a regular in the first team under Guardiola, teamTALK reported this weekend that Man City are eyeing an astonishing summer move for their former foe.
While Alexander-Arnold’s entire focus may be on trying to boost his career in the Spanish capital, teamTALK has suggested that intermediaries have already held initial tentative talks.
Manchester City are considering a blockbuster move for Trent Alexander-Arnold 💣🔥 #MCFC @Graeme Bailey ✍️ https://t.co/PVYNZRmolw
— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) January 25, 2026
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