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Trent Alexander-Arnold's stint at Real Madrid hasn't got off to the best beginning. The world-class right-back departed his boyhood club, Liverpool, last summer completing a £10m transfer with his contract running out so he could appear in the Club World Cup, linking up with a Galacticos squad featuring Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.

The full-back had previously been celebrated for his remarkable vision and forward contributions from deep positions during his time in the Premier League, qualities that stars like Vinicius Jr and Mbappe will have no doubt been looking forward to capitalising on.

Yet the former Liverpool star has been restricted to merely eight league outings owing to two crushing injuries. He picked up his initial hamstring problem in September and didn't make his comeback until October 23.

Alexander-Arnold's fortunes then deteriorated further when he suffered a muscle injury in early December, keeping him sidelined until early February. Having struggled to cement his place in the side, speculation is mounting regarding a Premier League return and potentially even Liverpool.

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Alexander-Arnold was a sensation at Liverpool, and whilst his exit split supporters, his achievements for the club will forever be viewed fondly during a silverware-filled period. A reconciliation would suit everyone involved at present, with Liverpool battling in the Premier League and Alexander-Arnold reportedly unable to settle in Spain.

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Nevertheless, it remains, early stages. Given how the transfer rumour machine operates, whispers of his departure continue to swirl, with Manchester City reportedly amongst the clubs showing interest.

Beyond his shortage of playing time, Alexander-Arnold has recorded just one La Liga assist and remains without a goal to his name. There are also suggestions that former Liverpool defender and current Madrid manager Alvara Arbeloa has no desire to keep Alexander-Arnold and he could depart the club come summer, though these remain unconfirmed reports at present.

Upon securing the right-back's signature, Madrid included a colossal £840million release clause in Alexander-Arnold's deal, meaning any interested club would need to pay a substantial sum.

The release clause was put in place with the assumption that Alexander-Arnold would remain part of their squad for many seasons. Spanish football clubs are legally obligated to include a release clause in every player's contract, so the £840million (€1billion) figures are typical for top-tier players in the nation.

Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo all possess enormous release clauses to shield the club from state-funded teams poaching their star assets. A highly improbable scenario given both the enormous release clause and his connections to Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is being touted for a shocking switch to City.

The former Premier League champions have already secured Bournemouth sensation Antoine Semenyo and are assembling an exceptionally powerful squad as they seek to recapture the title. City presently deploy former Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes at right-back, and whilst he's an outstanding player, someone with Alexander-Arnold's talent would elevate City to yet another level.

Given the release clause and the reality that it's merely midway through his debut season, the most probable outcome is that Alexander-Arnold will persevere for at least one more campaign.

The truth is that the ex-Liverpool star's spell in Spain has been severely hampered by fitness problems, and Madrid could at minimum offer him a chance to demonstrate his capabilities on the grandest stage once he's completely healthy and featuring regularly.

Dani Carvajal, 34, isn't growing any younger, and Fede Valverde isn't a natural full-back, so the right-back position is available for Alexander-Arnold if he grasps the chance and proves to Madrid why they recruited him.