Real Madrid make firm decision on January exit for 28-year-old defender – report
· Yahoo Sports
Real Madrid have performed very well in recent weeks, winning five games on the bounce and playing much better football under Jose Mourinho.
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The Portuguese manager’s tactical tweaks have worked wonders for the team but have come at a cost for players like Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Englishman has now fallen behind both captain Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries in the right-back hierarchy.
However, according to journalist Jorge Picon (h/t Defensa Central), Real Madrid have no intention of selling Trent during the January transfer window.
Despite his limited game time, the club do not want to part ways with Trent, and the former Liverpool star also wants to stay and fight for his place.
Real Madrid rule out January departure for Trent
Trent has not had a great time in the Spanish capital since joining from the Merseyside club at the start of last season.
Mourinho’s arrival has done little to change the situation, with the manager initially preferring to start Dumfries ahead of him.
Valverde has emerged as Real Madrid’s first choice right-back. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
In recent weeks, Valverde has emerged as Mourinho’s first-choice right-back, which has given the team more defensive solidity.
Trent has started just four of Real Madrid’s opening 13 matches this season, but Mourinho has confirmed that both he and Dumfries will get minutes.
The Portuguese manager revealed at the press conference ahead of the Racing Santander game that one of the duo will start tomorrow.
However, the 28-year-old did not come to Spain from England to be the third-choice right-back, and talk has already intensified about a potential return to Liverpool.
Nevertheless, Picon has confirmed that Real Madrid are unwilling to sanction a winter departure, and his situation will only be reconsidered in the summer of 2027.
Trent determined to win Mourinho’s trust
For his part, Trent is keen to convince Mourinho that he deserves an extended run as the starting right-back.
Can Trent work his way back into Jose Mourinho’s plans? (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
His passing range, crossing ability and creativity remain underutilised aspects of his game, but he needs to show more commitment defensively.
Mourinho would do well to use Trent in La Liga games where opponents sit in a deep block, as the Englishman is capable of unlocking their defences for Los Blancos.
Keeping him until at least the summer is a sensible decision. Selling him mid-season does not benefit Real Madrid and only takes an option away from them.
It also gives Trent the opportunity to let his performances do the talking and save his faltering Los Blancos career.
All eyes will now be on whether the Englishman starts against Racing Santander tomorrow and how he fares in the coming weeks if given the opportunity.