Alexander-Arnold Edges Closer to Premier League Return as Real Madrid Show Him the Door

Trent Alexander-Arnold's Spanish adventure appears to be coming to a premature end, with the former Liverpool defender now in discussions about a Premier League return following Real Madrid's decision to move him on.

The England international's exit from Anfield last summer—where his contract was allowed to expire amid growing friction with supporters—has proven far from the fresh start he may have envisioned. His reappearance at Anfield in a Real Madrid shirt this season drew boos from the Kop, hardly the homecoming any player would wish for, though Real Madrid did emerge on the wrong end of a 1-0 Champions League defeat.

Life at the Bernabéu has been a struggle. Alexander-Arnold has managed just 11 outings in La Liga this term, with only seven of those coming in the starting lineup. A quadriceps injury sustained in early December has compounded matters, with the club confirming on December 4 that he would be sidelined until early February. Real Madrid's medical team diagnosed a muscle injury in the rectus femoris of his left quadriceps.

The writing on the wall became clearer this week when new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa reportedly "asked him to find a way out," signalling in no uncertain terms that Alexander-Arnold does not feature in the Spaniard's plans going forward.

Spanish reports now suggest Alexander-Arnold is "making progress in talks to leave Real Madrid" following what has amounted to a failed gamble for the club. The defender is understood to be receptive to the prospect of departing and is currently in negotiations about a Premier League switch.

Manchester City have emerged as the primary contenders, with Pep Guardiola keen to bolster the right-hand side of his defence. The Citizens are reportedly planning to strengthen that area of the pitch at their manager's behest.

Meanwhile, Alan Shearer has offered his own assessment of the situation, suggesting that Liverpool's campaign—currently unbeaten in 12 matches—lacks the spark that characterised their previous season. Speaking on Match of the Day, the former Newcastle striker highlighted the absence of dynamism in the full-back positions and a shortage of protection for the back four compared to last term.

"Those 12 games unbeaten feel very underwhelming, doesn't it?" Shearer remarked. "There's lots of things missing in that Liverpool team, they're not as dynamic, especially in the full-back positions. They're miles off from what they were in midfield last year, the back four isn't getting the protection that they got last year."

Shearer also praised Ekitike's performances whilst noting the impending return of Mohamed Salah, which could potentially create complications based on events prior to the Egyptian's absence.