Kyle Walker has expressed doubt over whether Liverpool supporters would welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold back to Anfield, suggesting a transfer to Manchester United or Manchester City could be more realistic.
Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid Struggles
Trent Alexander-Arnold chose to run down his contract at Liverpool to facilitate a transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2025. Los Blancos ultimately paid £10 million to secure an early departure so the right-back could participate in the Club World Cup.
Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, Alexander-Arnold has battled injuries and struggled to secure a regular starting spot, prompting Real Madrid to sign Denzel Dumfries over the summer as additional competition. Reports indicate that Alexander-Arnold is now pondering his future due to limited playing time, with Federico Valverde frequently deployed ahead of him at right-back. Consequently, Liverpool are reportedly among several clubs keeping tabs on his situation with a view to a potential reunion.
Walker’s Assessment of Premier League Options
Speaking to talkSPORT, Kyle Walker expressed surprise yet understanding regarding his compatriot’s difficult spell in Spain, highlighting how playing alongside Mohamed Salah at Liverpool previously elevated his game. When questioned about a potential return to the English top flight, Walker told talkSPORT: “Why not? Can he go back to Liverpool with the way that he left [Liverpool fans didn’t take kindly to Alexander-Arnold’s departure just before his contract expired]? I’m not too sure.”
Walker added: “Do I see him at another club? He’s got to go to one of the big ones: Manchester United, Man City.”
Addressing the fierce competition for the right-back position within the England national team, Walker praised his peer, telling talkSPORT: “I think everyone knows how I feel about Trent. I think he’s an unbelievable player.” He noted that while Alexander-Arnold previously faced established options like himself and Kieran Trippier, he now contends with rising talents such as Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Djed Spence, concluding that players do not reach Real Madrid without exceptional ability.
