Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled to establish himself at Real Madrid since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2025, with Jamie Carragher describing the move as a “huge mistake” and saying he would bring the England right-back back to Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid after a long spell with Liverpool, but his first period in Spain has proved the most difficult of his career. He has started only four matches this season and has slipped to third choice at right-back behind Fede Valverde and Denzel Dumfries.
His limited role was underlined in last season’s Clasico. Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona saw Alexander-Arnold introduced only in injury time, a brief appearance that reflected his standing within the team.
Carragher questions Real Madrid move
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, former Liverpool defender Carragher said he would welcome Alexander-Arnold’s return to the club but stressed that any deal would have to fit Liverpool’s sporting requirements.
“I would bring him back. I think he made a huge mistake leaving,” Carragher said. “They are playing a midfielder at right-back. Even in the Clasico, Denzel Dumfries comes on as a substitute. So when you are third choice at a club, it is obvious they want you to look for a way out.”
Carragher repeated his view that Alexander-Arnold had made “a huge mistake”, while making clear that Liverpool would need to decide whether a reunion made sense for the team rather than simply relying on sentiment.
Alexander-Arnold’s situation has developed under manager Jose Mourinho, with his opportunities restricted despite his status as an England international. His fall behind both Valverde and Dumfries has left him with a marginal role in the Real Madrid squad.
Liverpool feeling creative loss
Carragher also focused on what Liverpool have lost since Alexander-Arnold’s departure, particularly in the construction of attacks from defence.
The right-back was an important part of Liverpool’s build-up play during his time at Anfield, using his range of passing and ability to create chances from wide areas. Carragher believes those qualities have not been fully replaced.
“Rooney was brilliant, but we have a problem building attacks from the back through our full-backs,” he said. “We have definitely missed his creativity.”
The former Liverpool defender’s comments combine criticism of Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave with recognition of the contribution he made to Liverpool’s attacking play. Any possible return, however, would depend on whether it matched the club’s sporting priorities.
