Sensational Trent Alexander-Arnold urged back to Liverpool

Former England manager Sam Allardyce has told Liverpool they could benefit from re‑signing 27‑year‑old right‑back Trent Alexander‑Arnold, whose spell at Real Madrid has been hampered by injuries and limited game time – he started only two of the Spanish side’s opening seven league matches and was an unused substitute in their 2‑1 loss to Atletico Madrid last weekend.

Allardyce’s case for a reunion

Allardyce, speaking on the Footy Accumulators podcast, argued that at 27 Alexander‑Arnold still has years ahead and that his experience in Spain should make him even better than when he left Liverpool. He warned that if the defender remains second‑choice behind Dutch international Denzel Dumfries, a return to the Reds should be on the cards for LIVERPOOL. The former Bolton and Newcastle boss stressed that the Spanish giants paid £10 million for the player last summer. Comments Sport Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter 05:00, 24 Sep 2026 View 2 Images.

“At 27, Trent still has years ahead of him. This is his prime,” Allardyce said. “He’s at Real Madrid, and his experience there should stand him in good stead to be even better than he was when he left Liverpool, even though he hasn’t played as often as he would’ve liked.”

He added: “If he is going to be a Real Madrid player then this season he needs to be playing more than ever – if not, he should come back to the Premier League – Liverpool could do with him back. He’s capable of opening the opposition up.”

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Defensive doubts and Allardyce’s defence

Allardyce dismissed criticism of Alexander‑Arnold’s defending, noting that “there have always been question marks over his defending, and rightly so, but that’s the same for most right‑backs now.” He recalled that when Liverpool’s defensive record slipped under Jurgen Klopp, the full‑back’s errors were highlighted by everyone.

Despite not yet securing a regular spot under Jose Mourinho, Alexander‑Arnold earned a recall to the England squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures. Thomas Tuchel’s decision was praised by Allardyce, who said: “He’s not much worse than most other full‑backs. His quality on the ball and ability to open up the opposition, whether it’s with short or long passes, are massive assets to England. I’m glad to see him back.”

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Allardyce concluded that the defender’s future hinges on whether he can break his second‑choice status at Real Madrid; if not, a move back to Anfield appears likely, though no formal offer has been confirmed.