Trent Alexander-Arnold at 'Breaking Point' After Damning Real Madrid Meeting
In a stunning turn of events, Trent Alexander-Arnold's tenure at Real Madrid appears to be on the brink of collapse. The England international, who signed for the Spanish giants in the summer, is reportedly at 'breaking point' after a direct conversation with new boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who has made it clear he's not part of the team's future plans, according to Spanish reports.
A Troubled Start at the Bernabeu
Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid was seen as a significant coup for the club, with the boyhood Liverpool player leaving Anfield on a sour note after helping the Reds secure a record-breaking 20th league title. His contract expired at the end of the season, but Real's interest prompted an early move, with Xabi Alonso, who was then in charge, securing his services for a fee believed to be around £10 million, plus an additional £2 million in add-ons, bringing the total to £12 million.
The seventh Englishman to play for Los Blancos, Alexander-Arnold signed a six-year contract and was eager to link up with his friend Jude Bellingham. However, the move hasn't gone to plan, with the 27-year-old struggling with injuries and form since arriving in Madrid.
Just 11 Appearances for Real Madrid
Despite the high hopes, Alexander-Arnold has made just 11 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, including eight in La Liga. His performances have been inconsistent, with defensive frailties exposed in several matches and a lack of impact going forward.
The situation has been compounded by the departure of Xabi Alonso, who was sacked as Real Madrid manager after just six months in charge. His replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa, another former Liverpool and Real player, does not seem to see a future for Alexander-Arnold at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arbeloa's Direct Conversation with Alexander-Arnold
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Arbeloa has intervened directly to make it clear that Alexander-Arnold is not part of the team's plans. The Spaniard is said to have held a 'frank conversation' with the England international, where he was 'clear, honest, and direct' in explaining that he should look for another club in the summer as he will not be getting sufficient playing time under his management.
The meeting is reported to have left Alexander-Arnold at 'breaking point', with the club agreeing that he ought to move on earlier than anticipated for the sake of his career. It's believed that Alexander-Arnold needs a 'less demanding environment where he can regain confidence and consistent playing time'.
Real Madrid's Coaching Staff Believe Experiment is Failing
Despite Alexander-Arnold still having several years left on his contract, Real's coaching staff are of the view that he has never adapted to life in Spain and the experiment is to be abandoned prematurely. The club are reportedly open to negotiating a deal to allow him to leave before the summer transfer window closes.
Interest from Bayern Munich and Newcastle United
With Alexander-Arnold seeking a club where he can be 'an undisputed star', reports suggest that Bayern Munich and Newcastle United are 'closely monitoring' his situation. The German giants have long been linked with the England international, while the Premier League side are also reportedly interested in making a move.
It's claimed that offers of around £35 million could be enough to get a deal done, with Alexander-Arnold keen to secure a move before the end of the season. The player's representatives are said to be in talks with potential suitors, with a decision expected to be made in the coming weeks.
The Future for Trent Alexander-Arnold
For Alexander-Arnold, the next few months will be crucial. A move away from Real Madrid could see him revive his career, with several top clubs expressing interest in his services. The England international is still only 27 and has plenty of football left in him, but his time in Spain has not gone according to plan.
Whether he ends up in the Bundesliga or the Premier League, one thing is clear: Trent Alexander-Arnold needs to find a new club where he can once again become the star player he was at Liverpool. The next chapter in his career is set to begin soon, and it could be just around the corner.
