Trent Alexander-Arnold's first year in Spanish football was far from the seamless transition many had anticipated when Real Madrid completed his free transfer from Liverpool last summer. The Spanish giants paid a reported €10m (£8.4m) to secure his early release from his Anfield contract, with the move finalized on 1 June 2025.
Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Alexander-Arnold's debut campaign in Madrid was disrupted by fitness problems. A hamstring injury sustained in September ruled him out for roughly seven weeks, and he later suffered a thigh issue in December that kept him sidelined for another two months. These setbacks prevented him from establishing any real rhythm or forging a strong bond with the Bernabeu faithful.
In total, the England international appeared in 35 of Real Madrid's 62 matches across all competitions, but he was far from an automatic starter, making 27 appearances from the first whistle as he split right-back duties with club stalwart Dani Carvajal. While his technical quality in possession was evident at times, questions about his defensive solidity - a recurring theme during his Liverpool days - continued to surface among pundits and supporters alike. Many felt there simply hadn't been enough game time to properly assess what he could bring to the side.
The season, overseen for much of its duration by Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, ended without a major trophy for the club. However, Alexander-Arnold appeared to be finding his footing as the campaign drew to a close, prompting him to post a message of gratitude to fans on social media.
"Madridistas you have welcomed me with open arms," he wrote. "From the first day I arrived you have had my back. It took me a few months to find rhythm and settle in the new environment but I feel completely at home now."
He added a promise of better things to come: "I will take a good break and put the work in over the summer. I promise we will bring trophies back to this amazing club next season."
Having missed out on World Cup involvement, Alexander-Arnold was among the few Real Madrid players to enjoy a complete pre-season, working under Jose Mourinho, who took charge for a second stint at the club in June, succeeding Arbeloa. According to reports, the Portuguese manager has been struck by the defender's professionalism, adaptability, and the tactical flexibility he offers.
Mourinho reportedly sees Alexander-Arnold as a departure from the conventional full-back mold, praising his capacity to drift into central midfield zones and influence play higher up the pitch. His distribution - particularly his crossing, through balls, and dead-ball delivery - remains regarded as one of his standout attributes.
The player himself has spoken enthusiastically about linking up with Mourinho, a manager with previous spells at Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham. "I have always admired the coach," Alexander-Arnold said. "I've played against him a couple of times, and it's a pleasure to work with him and his team."
He went on to describe the demands of working under the veteran tactician: "It's intense. The principles and the level of demand are very high, so I'm looking forward to seeing how, the more we get to know each other, the more we learn and the more he can teach us."
Alexander-Arnold concluded with optimism about the season ahead: "We're all willing and eager to learn and improve. I'm sure he'll teach us many things and help us win trophies this year."
With a full pre-season behind him and a fresh voice in the dugout, the coming campaign could prove pivotal in determining whether Alexander-Arnold can finally deliver on the promise that persuaded Real Madrid to bring him to the Spanish capital.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.