Home Turf, New Boots: Arnold's Night at Anfield with Real Madrid

Return to Anfield

A British press report on Monday outlines Trent Alexander-Arnold's status for Real Madrid's upcoming Champions League clash with his former club, Liverpool.

The Champions League draw has brought a quick reunion with his boyhood team after a long summer of transfer chatter; the right-back has faced some jeers from Liverpool fans since his departure was announced.

Liverpool hosts Real Madrid on Tuesday at Anfield, in a high-stakes match on matchday four of the group stage.

Alexander-Arnold moved to Real Madrid last summer after his contract with Liverpool expired, joining on a free transfer.

He spent his entire career at Liverpool and will play his first match in a kit other than Liverpool's at Anfield tomorrow.

According to The Athletic, Arnold has not reached full fitness yet and may not feature heavily against his old club.

The report suggests Arnold is likely to sit on the bench, with Federico Valverde starting at right-back.

Arnold's Reflections

Arnold said he will always love Liverpool no matter how he is received at Anfield on Tuesday.

In an interview with Prime Video Sport before the match, he said: “When the draw was made, almost everyone felt this fixture was fate; it was destined to happen.”

He added: “Of course they are a big team, so I knew I would face Liverpool again, whether at the Bernabéu or Anfield; it happened quickly, I have mixed feelings, it will be a very tough game, but I’m very excited.”

Arnold also stressed that he would not celebrate if he scores against his former club.

Regarding the reception from Liverpool fans, he said: “Whatever the reception, it’s the fans’ call.”

He further stated: “I will always love the club, and I will remain a fan forever; I am grateful for the opportunities and the memories we created together will stay with me for life.”

A New Chapter with Bellingham

Moving to Real Madrid gave Arnold the chance to play alongside England teammate Jude Bellingham, who admitted he played a major role in convincing him to join the Bernabéu.

Arnold said: “There was a lot of chatter about (Agent Jude Bellingham) trying to persuade me; in our national team camps we kept hearing about the atmosphere at Real Madrid.”

He added: “He told me it’s an amazing experience, unlike anything I’d seen before in ambition, club spirit, and the desire to win; in the end I made my decision, I felt I needed a change in my life, seeking a new challenge on and off the pitch.”

He then described how the move would shape a new period in his career and hoped to leave a strong mark at the Bernabéu just as he did at Anfield.

Arnold is viewed as one of Liverpool’s most notable academy graduates, a player who blends defensive solidity with offensive creativity and crossing prowess, built from the club’s famed Melwood roots.

Born on October 8, 1998 in Liverpool, he joined Liverpool's academy at six and progressed through the ranks under coaches who spotted his tactical intelligence and delivery from wide areas.

His breakthrough came under Jurgen Klopp, with initial first-team glimpses in the League Cup against Tottenham before cementing a regular role as the right-back in 2017-2018, especially in Europe as Liverpool reached the final against Real Madrid.

He helped Liverpool to European glory in 2019, English league glory in 2019-2020, and continued to contribute with assists and crosses that defined his position. Internationally, he has been a fixture for England since 2018, expanding his versatility across midfield roles when needed.

Yet his career hasn’t been free of criticism, particularly over defensive aspects and a few muscle injuries that interrupted his playing time in recent seasons.

In the summer of 2025, Arnold made the bold move to Real Madrid in a deal that sparked debate among Liverpool supporters. He cited a desire for a fresh challenge and the chance to write a new chapter in a club with a storied European pedigree.

The switch also gave him the chance to partner with Bellingham in a Real Madrid side eager to balance ambition with a winning culture. Arnold hopes to leave a lasting impression at the Bernabéu, just as he did in Liverpool’s famous red).

Punchline time: If Arnold crosses as well for Madrid as he did for Liverpool, the ball will have its own travel insurance. Punchline two: Madrid may need a bigger trophy cabinet—one that can fit all the headlines about a defender who can still do the business in Europe.