Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult start to life at Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants facing a battle to keep hold of some of their star players
Trent Alexander-Arnold's high-profile switch to Real Madrid hasn't exactly gone to plan over the last few months. The defender confirmed his departure from Liverpool shortly before his contract expired in the summer, closing the chapter on his 20-year spell with the Reds stretching back to his academy days.
The announcement sparked disappointment amongst Liverpool supporters, with numerous observers questioning whether it was the correct choice. Now, several months since completing the transfer, the noise surrounding the saga is beginning to subside, with attention turning to how the 27-year-old will perform in Spain's top flight.
Alexander-Arnold has endured a stop-start introduction to life in Madrid, missing several fixtures due to a hamstring problem picked up at the start of his time in the Spanish capital.. Having returned to action, there has been optimism that he can find his rhythm and help steer Real Madrid towards silverware both domestically and in Europe, reports the Liverpool Echo.
However, not everything appears cheery at the Spanish giants, with signs of unrest reportedly emerging.
The Athletic have reported that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has informed the club he won't extend his stay whilst experiencing a "strained" relationship with manager Xabi Alonso.
It has been reported that a crucial meeting took place between the Brazilian forward and Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez last month, as negotiations over fresh terms ground to a halt.
Vinicius has 18 months left on his existing contract, with mounting speculation surrounding his future at the Santiago Bernabeu. The situation leaves the club's leadership in an uncomfortable predicament, as they weigh up whether the relationship can be salvaged, and if not, whether they will back Alonso or their star player.
It also places Alexander-Arnold in a difficult position, particularly if some of Real Madrid's turmoil results in key players being offloaded in the coming weeks and months.
Alexander-Arnold returned from injury against former club Liverpool in the Champions League, where he was greeted with a chorus of boos during his nine minutes on the pitch.
The right-back then managed another seven minutes before the international break, before completing the full 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw with Elche at the weekend.
Whilst there appears to have been some tension at Madrid, Alonso insisted that Alexander-Arnold has been putting in the work to force his way back into the team.
Speaking ahead of Madrid's clash with Elche, Alonso said: "In this [international] break we've worked with Trent, collectively and individually, after the injuries he had.
"Trent being in better form gives us more options in that position, and we have other players, too. Fede [Valverde] is still there and can play at right-back, but Trent is in good shape now. [Eder] Militao played right-back with Brazil the other day, and Raul [Asencio] can play there too. We have several options."