Trent Alexander-Arnold makes decision on leaving Real Madrid after latest Jose Mourinho blow

Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly made a decision on whether he will leave Real Madrid in January after once again being forced to watch from the bench for most of Los Blancos’ 2-1 win over Barcelona.

Kylian Mbappé’s brace secured José Mourinho’s side a crucial win in the La Liga title race, with the ‘Special One’ rolling back the years with a classic knee slide during the celebrations.

And while Mbappé and most of Real’s players will be overjoyed with the three points, which puts them within three points of Barça after 10 matches, Alexander-Arnold may not be best pleased.

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Did Trent play against Barcelona?

Mourinho decided to start his usual midfielder, Fede Valverde, at right-back, despite both Denzel Dumfries and Alexander-Arnold being fit and available to start the clash.

The Dutchman was introduced with just under half an hour left, but the Englishman was forced to wait until the 94th minute to make an appearance.

The 28-year-old, who arrived at Real Madrid from Liverpool in 2025, has struggled to nail down a starting spot under Mourinho, with just three of his seven appearances coming from the start this term. He’s also started just 17 league games since joining the club.

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Trent makes decision on Real Madrid future

As a result, the Liverpudlian has been linked with a shock return to Liverpool, although the Reds are reportedly not interested in the full-back. Arsenal and Manchester City are also keeping tabs on his situation.

However, according to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, Trent will remain at Real until the end of the season at least.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he explained: “No, [he will not leave] in January.

“What he's feeling right now is 'Okay, it's not my time, but it will be my time, I will prepare for my time'. That's how he's taking the whole thing.

“But there are two ahead of him in the same position (Valverde and Dumfries) and in fact, Eder Militao was also used as a right back against Sevilla. So is he fourth choice? He's certainly third it seems.

“But he's not down, he's been told by Mourinho to keep at it, he will have his moment.

“It's been unfair that when he has played from the start, he has played in the midfield because of the absentees.

“But in any case, he's got to keep fighting and he wants to succeed at Real Madrid, so he's got no intention of leaving.”

Alexander-Arnold is under contract at Real Madrid until 2031. Real return to action away to Racing Santander on November 1.

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