Jamie Carragher has reignited the debate over a possible Liverpool return for Trent Alexander-Arnold, admitting he would welcome the former Reds star back to Anfield despite believing he made a big mistake leaving.
And with Liverpool still looking for the right balance at right-back, Carragher has raised a question that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: have Liverpool missed Trent’s creativity more than they expected?
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher pointed out that Alexander-Arnold is currently third choice at Real Madrid and suggested the situation could eventually lead to the Spanish giants wanting him to move on.
“I’d have him back,” Carragher said, before making his feelings about Trent’s departure clear.
“I think he made a big mistake leaving.”
Those comments will divide Liverpool supporters, but I think there is a serious footballing argument to consider here.
Liverpool Have Missed Trent’s Creativity
There is no denying that Liverpool have had problems at right-back since Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid.
Ronald Araújo has been fantastic in the position, bringing aggression, commitment and defensive quality to the team. His performances have quickly won over supporters, and I would not want Liverpool to lose what he is bringing to the side.
But Araújo offers a different type of threat to Trent.
Alexander-Arnold’s passing range, crossing ability and vision allowed Liverpool to create chances from areas where most full-backs would simply play a safe pass. He could switch play, find runners in behind and deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area.
That sort of creativity is difficult to replace.
Carragher acknowledged Araújo’s excellent performances but argued that Liverpool have missed Trent’s passing from the full-back positions.
I think there is truth in that assessment. Liverpool can look solid defensively, but they also need players capable of unlocking stubborn opposition defences. Trent gave them a weapon that few other right-backs in world football could match.
Could Trent Really Return to Anfield?
The possibility of a return is complicated by the way Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool in 2025.
He came through the academy, became one of the club’s most influential players and won major honours at Anfield. But his decision to leave for Real Madrid, after his contract ran down, damaged his relationship with sections of the fanbase.
For many supporters, this is not simply a question of whether Trent remains a talented footballer. It is about loyalty, his decision to leave and how that departure made fans feel.
I understand those frustrations.
However, football is also about making decisions that benefit Liverpool going forward. If the club genuinely believed Trent could improve the team, I would at least listen to the argument for bringing him back.
That does not mean supporters would immediately forgive him, and it certainly would not guarantee a universally positive reception.
Trust would have to be rebuilt.
Real Madrid’s Situation Could Change Everything
Carragher’s comments come amid reports that Alexander-Arnold has fallen to third choice at right-back under Real Madrid manager José Mourinho.
That is a difficult position for a player who left Liverpool hoping to take the next step in his career.
If his opportunities remain limited, questions about his future are inevitable. But being out of favour now does not automatically mean a transfer is imminent, and there is no confirmed agreement for him to return to Liverpool.
Trent is still an exceptional passer of the ball, and his attacking qualities have not suddenly disappeared.
The challenge is finding the right environment to bring those qualities back to the forefront of his game.
Could that environment once again be Liverpool? It is an intriguing possibility, but plenty would need to happen before it became a realistic transfer.
Would Trent Fit Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool?
This is where the discussion becomes particularly interesting.
Iraola wants Liverpool to be aggressive, move the ball quickly and create attacking opportunities. A player with Alexander-Arnold’s passing ability could be an asset in that system.
Imagine Liverpool building attacks with Trent finding Florian Wirtz between the lines, switching play towards the wingers or delivering passes behind opposing defences.
That is a level of creativity Liverpool have sometimes lacked from their full-back positions.
Of course, there would be tactical questions to answer. Liverpool need defensive reliability as well as attacking quality, and any return would have to fit the balance Iraola is trying to establish.
Araújo has shown that Liverpool can get excellent performances from a more defensively aggressive option at right-back. The question is whether Trent could provide the attacking contribution without weakening the defensive structure.
If Iraola believed he could make it work, the footballing argument would be worth serious consideration.
My Verdict: I Would Not Dismiss a Trent Return
I know this will be a divisive subject among Liverpool supporters.
Some fans will never want to see Alexander-Arnold back in a Liverpool shirt after the way he left. Others will look at the current situation at right-back and wonder whether bringing him home could benefit everyone.
Personally, I think Carragher makes a fair point about the creativity Liverpool have missed.
Trent made his decision to leave, and he has to live with the consequences. But Liverpool must also put the club’s future first. If a return genuinely improved the team and made financial sense, it should not be dismissed purely because of the emotions surrounding his departure.
That does not mean Liverpool should rush into a deal. There is a big difference between recognising a player’s qualities and deciding that bringing him back is the right move.
Would I welcome Trent back if it meant Liverpool became a better team? I would seriously consider it.
He would have plenty to prove, both on the pitch and with the supporters, but his passing and creativity remain qualities Liverpool could use.
For now, this is speculation rather than a confirmed transfer. But Carragher has certainly reopened the debate — and Liverpool’s ongoing search for the right balance at right-back means it is a conversation worth having.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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