Mourinho's Real Madrid overhaul puts Alexander-Arnold's starting place under threat

Trent Alexander-Arnold faces fresh uncertainty at Real Madrid as Jose Mourinho prepares to take charge and oversee a major squad overhaul, according to Spanish publication Marca. The report claims club president Florentino Perez is planning “at least five changes” to the first-team squad, with both the defence and midfield targeted for restructuring.

The shake-up follows a deeply troubled season for Los Blancos, who finished eight points behind champions Barcelona in La Liga, were eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich, and suffered the embarrassment of a Spanish Cup exit at the hands of lower-league Albacete — their second consecutive trophyless campaign.

Two managers came and went during the season. Xabi Alonso, appointed at the start of the campaign, was dismissed in January after struggling to impose his tactical vision on a dressing room accustomed to greater autonomy. He subsequently took the Chelsea job. His replacement, former Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa, fared no better, and the club’s poor final-day standings confirmed his exit.

Mourinho, who previously managed Real between 2010 and 2013, is now poised to return to the Bernabeu. His arrival coincides with the departures of long-serving defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, leaving the backline in need of significant reinforcement.

Alexander-Arnold, 27, is reported to face competition for a starting berth from Denzel Dumfries, who appears to be arriving from Inter Milan. The former Liverpool full-back spent much of his debut season working his way into the side after joining last summer, and also endured two significant injury setbacks during the campaign.

At the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold addressed supporters directly in an Instagram post, writing: “Madridistas, you have welcomed me with open arms. 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. 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.”

Whether he features prominently in Mourinho’s plans remains to be seen, with the incoming manager expected to make his priorities clear once formally appointed.