'Is this a joke?' - Trent Alexander-Arnold left stunned before Real Madrid move

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a potential return to Liverpool amid uncertainty over his Real Madrid future, with reports in Spain claiming that Alvaro Arbeloa has told the defender he can leave in the summer

Trent Alexander-Arnold is now at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Trent Alexander-Arnold is making waves amid fresh speculation that his future could once again be unclear.

This would mark the third occasion in as many years that the defender has faced a significant departure. The first occurred in 2024, when Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool. Just 12 months later, the right-back mirrored his former manager's decision and left Anfield for new challenges, signing for Real Madrid.

When Klopp made his announcement, Alexander-Arnold was an integral part of the Reds. He experienced the same shock that rippled through the squad on the day the German informed them of his intentions, confessing the players initially thought the whole situation was "a joke."

The defender told The Athletic: "It started like a normal day. Then the manager called a meeting at 10:30am, which we had never had before, so everyone was like, 'What's going on?'

"He came into the changing rooms and told us there was news breaking as he was speaking. So we found out as players at the same time as everyone else, but he told us personally.

"He said that this had to be his last season, that he needed a break to spend time with his family. I didn't know what to do. You think, 'Is this a joke?'

Alexander-Arnold was shocked when Jurgen Klopp announced his Liverpool exit(Image: Getty Images)

"None of us were expecting it. After he left the room, everyone was just sat there thinking, 'Has that just happened?' Then you have to get on with it, going out to train in an hour, doing your job."

Klopp supported Alexander-Arnold's perspective on the matter, stating there weren't "a lot of questions" from the squad regarding his decision. At the time, the former Reds boss said: "The players didn't have a lot of questions, I spoke to them all together and then a few after that.

"We have a really strong bond. Usually, when a manager is in a dressing room and talks like that, he got sacked. It isn't like that because of the things we achieved, so that is why my responsibility is so big.

"We had last year's situation, and I think a lot of managers would have got the sack, and there was never any intention to do that, and my responsibility grows and grows, so when it is not right anymore, I have to tell."

Arne Slot arrived and immediately replaced Klopp, delivering the Premier League title in his debut season. As supporters gradually came to terms with the German's departure, speculation intensified surrounding the right-back's anticipated transfer to Real Madrid.

A year after one icon departed Anfield, Alexander-Arnold followed by joining the Spanish team on a six-year contract. The transfer triggered furious criticism from supporters, with many declaring the academy product wasn't welcome back.

Alexander-Arnold's spell at Madrid has fallen short of expectations thus far.

New manager Alvaro Arbeloa has reportedly informed the full-back that he is free to depart Spain in the summer, as he does not feature in the club's long-term vision. Yet other reports suggest this is not the case.