Real Madrid paid 10m euros for Trent Alexander‑Arnold, releasing him from his Liverpool contract on 1 June 2025. Two injuries—a hamstring issue that sidelined him for seven weeks and a thigh problem that kept him out for two months— robbed him of a continuous run that could build momentum. He appeared in 35 of the club’s 62 matches last season, starting 27 times alongside legend Dani Carvajal, but never cemented a first‑choice spot.

Defensive doubts that plagued him at Liverpool lingered, yet his quality in possession remained evident. He showed glimpses of his ability, but supporters felt they had not yet seen enough to judge his impact. At season’s end, under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, he finished strongly, thanking fans for their backing and declaring he feels at home.

With Mourinho’s arrival in June, the Portuguese manager praised Alexander‑Arnold’s versatility befitting a player who can drift into midfield and deliver precise passes, crosses and set‑pieces. The player echoed his admiration, calling it a privilege to work with the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss академия and expressing eagerness to learn and help bring trophies back to the Bernabéu.