Trent Alexander-Arnold is preparing to begin his second season at Real Madrid, this time under the management of Jose Mourinho following a difficult debut campaign.
The 27-year-old right-back arrived at the Bernabeu more than 14 months ago carrying enormous expectations from supporters and the club’s hierarchy alike.
Real Madrid regarded Alexander-Arnold as one of the most versatile defenders in the world, capable of influencing matches through his passing range, crossing ability and composure under pressure.
However, his first season was severely disrupted by injuries and managerial instability, leaving many supporters feeling they had not yet seen enough of him to fairly judge his contribution.
A hamstring problem last September kept him sidelined for seven weeks, while a thigh injury in December caused a further two-month absence at a critical point of the campaign.
He managed to feature in 35 of Real Madrid’s 62 matches across all competitions, starting 27 times as he shared the right-back role with club legend Dani Carvajal.
The defensive concerns that followed him throughout his time at Liverpool never quite disappeared from the conversation in Madrid, even as his quality in possession continued to draw admiration.
Real Madrid paid Liverpool a reported 10 million euros for Alexander-Arnold, releasing him from his contract on 1 June 2025, a month ahead of schedule.
By the end of a campaign in which Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa took charge without delivering a major trophy, Alexander-Arnold had begun to show his best form and publicly expressed his gratitude toward the club’s supporters.
“Madridistas you have welcomed me with open arms,” he wrote on social media. “From the first day I arrived you have had my back. It took me a few months to find rhythm and settle in the new environment but I feel completely at home now.”
He also made a direct promise to the fanbase, adding: “I will take a good break and put the work in over the summer. I promise we will bring trophies back to this amazing club next season.”
As one of only a handful of Real Madrid players who did not feature at the World Cup, Alexander-Arnold has benefited from a full pre-season under Mourinho, who returned to the Bernabeu in June for a second spell.
BBC Sport understands the Portuguese coach has been impressed by Alexander-Arnold’s performances, values and the tactical versatility he brings to the squad across different positions.
Mourinho views the England international as distinct from many traditional full-backs because of his ability to move into central areas and contribute directly to attacks from midfield positions.
Alexander-Arnold has spoken enthusiastically about working under the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager, describing the experience as both a privilege and a challenge.
“I have always admired the coach,” he said. “I’ve played against him a couple of times, and it’s a pleasure to work with him and his team.”
He added: “It’s intense. The principles and the level of demand are very high, so I’m looking forward to seeing how, the more we get to know each other, the more we learn and the more he can teach us.”
With Carvajal having departed after his contract expired, competition for the right-back position will now come from Denzel Dumfries, who joined from Inter Milan following the tournament.
The 30-year-old Netherlands international offers physicality, athleticism and defensive solidity, meaning Alexander-Arnold faces a genuine battle to nail down a regular starting place.
During a recent 2-2 friendly draw with Fiorentina, Mourinho opted to deploy both players simultaneously, with Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Dumfries operating further forward on the same flank, suggesting a creative tactical solution may be in development.
This season also presents Alexander-Arnold with a significant opportunity to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England plans after missing out on World Cup selection entirely.
The form that once made him one of Liverpool’s most influential figures during a period where the Reds lifted the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup remains the benchmark he must reach consistently.
