Carragher urges Liverpool to consider shock Alexander-Arnold return as Mourinho freezes him out at Real Madrid

Jamie Carragher has called on Liverpool to seriously consider re-signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, after the England full-back fell out of favour at Real Madrid under the returning José Mourinho. Alexander-Arnold was absent from the matchday squad entirely for Sunday’s El Clásico, with Federico Valverde deployed at right-back and new signing Denzel Dumfries introduced from the bench.

“I’d have him back anyway,” Carragher said. “I think he made a mistake, I do. I think he made a big mistake.”

Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 after Liverpool won the Premier League under Arne Slot, ending a protracted contract saga that left many supporters feeling aggrieved. The 26-year-old had spent 20 years in Liverpool’s academy and first-team setup, contributing to two Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph before his departure.

His standing at the Bernabéu has deteriorated sharply since Mourinho’s return. He has started just three La Liga matches this season, accumulating fewer than 270 minutes of league football, and has featured only once in the Champions League under the Portuguese manager.

Carragher acknowledged the complexity of a potential return — both in terms of fan sentiment and footballing logic — but argued that Liverpool’s needs at right-back should take precedence over lingering bitterness.

“If something benefits Liverpool Football Club going forward… and we do have, when you think of the problems Liverpool have in terms of the right-back. Ronnie [Ronald Araújo] has been fantastic… but we do have a problem in terms of full-backs passing,” he said.

The pundit also pointed to Alexander-Arnold’s diminished role in Madrid as a signal that the club may be willing to move him on. “At the moment, he’s actually third-choice right-back for Real Madrid. They’re playing a midfield player at right-back… So when you’re third choice at a club, they’re obviously wanting you to move on.”

Alexander-Arnold is reported to be reluctant to entertain a return to Anfield, and with five years still remaining on his Real Madrid contract, he retains the option of fighting for his place in Spain. At 26, time remains on his side — but so does the pressure of a Mourinho system that has so far shown little interest in accommodating him.