Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first months in Real Madrid were meant to be the start of a renaissance — elegant passes, renewed rhythm, and a place in Xabi Alonso’s evolving vision.
Instead, they’ve turned into a spiralling tale of frustration, one that now threatens to drain millions from Real Madrid’s budget.
A Bright Night Dims in an Instant in Real Madrid
Los Blancos delivered a commanding 3–0 win at San Mamés, with Kylian Mbappé firing twice and Eduardo Camavinga adding a third. The victory narrowed the gap with league leaders Barcelona to just a single point, but beneath the result lay another unwelcome twist.
Alexander-Arnold, freshly back from a hamstring injury, started brightly on the right flank and even provided the assist for Mbappé’s opener.
Yet ten minutes into the second half, the Englishman signalled trouble. He was substituted for Raúl Asencio after feeling discomfort — a moment that left Madrid’s bench uneasy.
The club later confirmed the diagnosis: a muscle injury in the anterior rectus of his left quadriceps. According to the BBC, the expected recovery time is around two months.
And with that timeline comes a hefty price. Earning roughly £250,000 per week, Alexander-Arnold could cost Madrid close to £2 million in wages without stepping onto the pitch — a financial blow softened only if he returns ahead of schedule.
His early days in Spain have been defined by interruptions more than impact, though Xabi Alonso continues to publicly back his new full-back.
“Trent is a top player, and we need him,” Alonso said. “It’s his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He’s demanding of himself, and we’ll support him through this transition.”
Madrid resume their La Liga campaign on Sunday night against Celta Vigo, but once again, they’ll have to do it without the player they hoped would reshape their right side.
