Dean Saunders says Liverpool fans would welcome Alexander-Arnold back as Real Madrid exit expected

Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders has backed Trent Alexander-Arnold for a return to Anfield, calling the right-back “irreplaceable” and insisting supporters would embrace him without hesitation — comments that arrive as the England international’s exit from Real Madrid is reportedly expected.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Saunders argued that Liverpool’s struggles to replace Alexander-Arnold since his departure underline just how much the club lost when he left. “I think Liverpool fans would absolutely have Trent Alexander-Arnold back at the club,” the ex-Red said. “Liverpool played with eight different right-backs last season, including Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and Ryan Gravenberch, and it was quite obvious at the start of the season that Trent was the reason why Liverpool used to make so many chances — he was like a quarterback.”

Saunders pointed to Alexander-Arnold’s creative influence as something no direct replacement has been able to replicate. “Salah definitely would have missed him. He could hit a 50-yard ball onto Diaz’s chest. Liverpool lost a lot when he left,” he added, acknowledging that questions over the defender’s defensive output remain but arguing no current alternative is a clear upgrade in that regard either.

The comments come at a turbulent moment for Liverpool on the pitch. Arne Slot’s side dropped below Chelsea in the Premier League table after a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal at Anfield, a result that left the manager frustrated. Slot felt a foul on Alexander Isak warranted a penalty check, saying: “I think the Isak one is a clear penalty. He is going to head the ball in front of the goal and they grab him where everyone sees the shirt. Probably because he doesn’t dive or he doesn’t go to the floor — it shouldn’t be a reason not to concede a penalty.”

Liverpool now turn their attention to Europe, travelling to Turkey to face Fenerbahce in the Champions League. A victory would mark the club’s first-ever win on Turkish soil in the competition and keep them firmly in contention for automatic qualification from the league phase.