Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Exploring Shock Reunion with Former Star
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Liverpool have been urged to consider a sensational move to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold back to his boyhood club only 12 months after his controversial departure to Real Madrid, with questions already emerging over his long-term future in Spain. The scouser’s decision to leave Anfield on a free transfer, where the Reds did admittedly receive a £10m fee for Real Madrid to take him on earlier than his planned contract in time for the Club World Cup, divided opinion among Liverpool supporters.
If you were to pick any of Trent's seasons at Liverpool from a hat, his form at Real Madrid would always be a drop-off. We've seen several times in recent years that players who make the move from the Premier League to La Liga often experience more time on the ball and larger spaces to progress the ball into during attacking patterns of play.This was the case for the likes of Real Betis winger Antony, who made the move after disappointing with Manchester United and being unable to endure the physicality of the Premier League, or Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez who has become one of the world's elite strikers with more time to get shots off.So, why has the same not occurred for a player as good on the ball as Trent is?The obvious reason is Real Madrid's tactical setup.
Pundits have always commented on the right-back's poor defensive stature in 1v1 duels, and on several occasions the Real Madrid setup left the Englishman isolated against quick wingers.As Liverpool attempted, the Madrid side also sought to use Trent in an inverted role during build-up, an idea that did not produce the intended result due to spacing issues with wide forwards like Rodrygo.Do Liverpool need Trent?Under the stewardship of new manager Jose Mourinho, and with the new right-back signing of Denzel Dumfries, Real Madrid are undergoing a radical rebuild this summer and it does not look entirely clear how the former Red will fold into plans.In a recent friendly against Fiorentina, the Scouser was selected ahead of Dumfries, utilised as a midfielder when the team had the ball in an attempt to utilise the right-back's playmaking abilities as a resource. The academy product did run down his contract with the club, and ensured minimal financial aid was on offer for finding his replacement.But if Liverpool were to stomach that heartbreak, he could provide the perfect addition to Iraola's new squad.With rumours that Liverpool will not be making defensive signings in the transfer market, partially due to the majority of the budget being sacrificed towards the potential signing of Bradley Barcola, a loan signing that could cost the club up to £10m in fees does look financially feasible.With his time at the Cherries, Iraola looked towards his fullbacks to create big chances and whip balls into the box, as seen with both Liverpool residing Milos Kerkez and Frenchman Adrien Truffert.