The football world is buzzing after new reports from Spain revealed Manchester City’s interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold, the right-back who recently swapped Liverpool for Real Madrid. According to insiders close to the English champions, Pep Guardiola’s side is prepared to put €75 million on the table to lure the 26-year-old, who has struggled to settle at the Santiago Bernabéu. The saga gained further intrigue when Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez made a surprising public statement, leaving fans and analysts on edge.
Alexander-Arnold joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2025 as a free agent after running down his Liverpool contract, though Madrid still paid around €10 million in compensation to register him in time for the Club World Cup. His signing was seen as a coup, given his reputation as one of the world’s best right-backs, admired for his creativity, long passing accuracy, and tactical flexibility. But Dani Carvajal’s unexpected return from a serious knee injury—recovering far quicker than expected—has changed the picture entirely. At 33, the veteran captain has reclaimed his starting spot under new coach Xabi Alonso, leaving Alexander-Arnold to a secondary role.
Carvajal’s resurgence has been a major obstacle for the Englishman, who has also found it difficult to adapt to Madrid’s style and fierce competition for places. With Carvajal excelling in recent matches, Alexander-Arnold has been left with limited minutes, sparking speculation about his future. Manchester City appear ready to seize the moment, viewing him as the ideal successor to Kyle Walker, now 35 and nearing the end of his career.
Florentino Pérez’s recent comments have only fueled speculation further. At a press conference, the Madrid president said: “Trent is a great talent, but Real Madrid will always prioritize those who demonstrate complete commitment to the club.” The remark has been widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Alexander-Arnold’s slow adaptation, suggesting that Pérez could be open to a transfer—particularly if City follow through with their reported €75 million bid.
City’s interest is hardly surprising. Known for their aggressive recruitment, Guardiola’s team is determined to maintain dominance in both the Premier League and Champions League. Alexander-Arnold’s European pedigree, ability to contribute in both attack and defense, and close friendship with England teammate Jude Bellingham could make the Citizens’ project especially attractive to him.
Still, the situation raises questions about Madrid’s planning. Alexander-Arnold’s arrival was intended as part of a long-term defensive rebuild, but Carvajal’s revival and solid performances from backup options like Lucas Vázquez have complicated matters. Losing him only months after signing would be a major blow to the club’s image, especially after the hype around his high-profile move.
With the next transfer window looming, the coming months may prove decisive. If City formalize their interest, Alexander-Arnold could be set for a swift return to England, where he remains a hero after winning nine trophies with Liverpool. For now, Madrid supporters
