Former Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been warned that he may not be Jose Mourinho's first-choice right-back at Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants reportedly closing in on Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries. The Dutch defender's £17.3 million release clause has been activated, and he is expected to sign a four-year deal with the La Liga outfit.
Alexander-Arnold endured a difficult debut season at Real Madrid following his move from Liverpool last summer, plagued by injuries and inconsistent form. His struggles ultimately cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming World Cup. The arrival of Dumfries and Mourinho, who is set to take over as manager in July, could further complicate his prospects.
Former Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink commented on the potential pecking order, stating that Mourinho typically favours defenders who prioritise defending. 'We all know Trent's quality, but Trent's quality is going forward,' Hasselbaink said. 'So in a sense, if it is Mourinho, I think Dumfries will play quite a bit.' However, he added that having two different types of right-backs could be a tactical advantage for Mourinho.
Last season, Alexander-Arnold made 30 appearances across all competitions as Real Madrid finished second in La Liga behind Barcelona. He competed with Dani Carvajal for the starting spot, but his contract has not been extended this summer. Gary Neville also weighed in on Alexander-Arnold's England exclusion, questioning why managers continue to overlook a player of his ability.
