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Liverpool have been urged to put the past behind them with Trent Alexander-Arnold and consider a dramatic move to bring him back to Anfield this summer.

The Reds have been strongly advised to rethink their position on Alexander-Arnold and look into a contentious deal to re-sign the defender. The right-back left his boyhood club for Real Madrid last summer, but he has found it difficult to establish himself in Spain, prompting high-profile calls for a stunning Premier League comeback to address issues in Liverpool’s current squad.

A difficult spell in Spain

Alexander-Arnold left Merseyside for Real Madrid last summer, a move that caused deep frustration among many supporters of his boyhood side. However, his switch to Spain has not unfolded as expected. Last season, Alexander-Arnold started only 14 LaLiga matches and did not score in any competition, the first time that has happened since his breakthrough campaign.

Speaking on talkSPORT's Transfer Insiders, Angelina Kelly said Liverpool have an obvious reason to think about a reunion. Kelly believes the club should set emotion aside, noting that Liverpool currently have a hole in defence with Conor Bradley injured and Jeremie Frimpong appearing more suited to a more advanced role.

Forgiving a controversial departure

Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid created a major divide between the player and the fanbase, but Kelly believes the moment to forgive him is getting closer quickly. “I know what it’s like for a player to, in your opinion, betray the club – especially one of your own, especially being a Liverpudlian. I get it,” Kelly said.

“When Real Madrid come calling, it is hard to say no – we have to be honest with that – and he’s made the move and it hasn’t really worked out. And you look at Liverpool and you think do they need a new right-back? I mean, Frimpong didn’t look great last season – I think he’s probably better playing further forward – Bradley injured… I think maybe they should cut their losses and just explore the Trent situation.”

The threat of Denzel Dumfries

Alexander-Arnold’s position in Spain has become even more complicated after the arrival of Denzel Dumfries. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly leaning towards Dumfries because of his defensive reliability, leaving Alexander-Arnold lower in the pecking order.

Reflecting on that, Kelly added: “I’m not saying you’ve got to sign him immediately -let’s just explore this. Because Real Madrid have signed another right-back in Denzel Dumfries- that is not good news for Trent. So, why can’t everyone just take some ownership…take a bit of accountability and we can all come back together and be happy? I think that there is a way back, and surely there’s one Liverpool fan listening that would have him back – I can’t be on my own here.”

What happens next?

Alexander-Arnold now faces a crucial point in his career as the new season draws near. With Mourinho seemingly preferring Dumfries after their pre-season preparations, the England defender is facing a difficult fight for regular game time at Real Madrid. Whether Liverpool seriously move for a transfer remains very unclear, but growing pressure from pundits has underlined a possible route out. A lot will depend on whether Liverpool are willing to hand their former hero a second opportunity.