Next stop for Trent after a shock at Bernabeu! Real Madrid's new coach confirms he is not in the team's plans and advises finding a new club.
On 23 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Trent Alexander-Arnold's journey with Real Madrid is at a crossroads. Reports from Spain say he was summoned to meet new coach Álvaro Arbeloa and was clearly told he is "not in the team's plans," with advice to seek a new club in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The England right-back moved from Liverpool to the Royal Whites last summer after helping his former team win their 20th league title before his contract expired. Real Madrid reportedly paid about £10 million to secure his early transfer for the Club World Cup and signed him to a six-year contract, joining close friend Jude Bellingham.
However, his start at Santiago Bernabeu was far from smooth. Injuries, a dip in form, and ongoing defensive issues limited him to just 11 appearances across all competitions. Subsequently, coach Xabi Alonso, who brought him in, was sacked and Arbeloa took over the role.
This has intensified speculation about his next destination. The Premier League is seen as the best place for him to revive his career, with shocking rumors even suggesting a surprising comeback to Liverpool despite some strained relations with parts of their fanbase.
There are also reports that Bayern Munich is seriously interested, while Premier League club Newcastle United is closely monitoring the situation. The 27-year-old player wants to join a team where he can be an undisputed superstar, and a fee around £35 million is believed sufficient to make a deal happen.