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Former defender opposes Anfield return
Johnson feels Liverpool supporters "wouldn't want to see" their former academy graduate return to Merseyside after watching his form dip following his 2025 exit. Having spent 20 years with his boyhood club before leaving on a free transfer for a fresh challenge, the right-back has made just six La Liga appearances this season. Under Jose Mourinho, he has started only four matches across all competitions.
Mourinho hierarchy leaves Englishman sidelined
Although the defender was a mainstay during his trophy-laden spell in the Premier League, his decision to run down his contract at the end of the 2024-25 season drew mixed reactions on Merseyside. Since arriving in the Spanish capital, the England international has slipped to third-choice right-back in Mourinho's pecking order behind Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries.
Speaking in an interview with Betfred, former Reds full-back Johnson explained why the club should avoid a reunion: "It's not something that I would want to see because Trent hasn't been the same since he left Liverpool. He was obviously unbelievable at Liverpool and sometimes it's best to leave it that way. I don't think he's the same player that he was because if he was, he'd be playing for Real Madrid and we wouldn't be having this conversation."
Clasico cameo highlights peripheral status
The full-back's marginalisation in Madrid was underlined during the recent Clasico victory over arch-rivals Barcelona, where he was only introduced off the bench in second-half stoppage time to help close out a 2-1 win.
Fearing that a second spell on Merseyside would tarnish the defender's standing among the Anfield faithful if he failed to recapture his peak form, Johnson added: "I don't think he's the same and if he returned to Liverpool and people are expecting him to be the Trent of old and he's not, then he could begin to undo his previous legacy. I wouldn't like to see it and I'm pretty sure that the fans wouldn't too."
Peacock Premium
✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.
✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.
✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.
Sling TV
✅ Provides nationwide access to USA Network, securing the primary cable home for the league's linear broadcasts.
✅ Includes access to live, local NBC affiliates for the marquee weekend matches in designated major media markets.
✅ Serves as the cheapest way to access live cable TV sports channels without paying for a bloated traditional bundle.
DirecTV
✅ Carries both USA Network and your local NBC station, ensuring you get every nationally televised match.
✅ Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage so you can easily record and save early morning fixtures.
✅ Replicates the classic set-top box feel with a familiar channel guide, making it easy to channel-surf on weekend mornings.
Peacock Premium
✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.
✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.
✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.
Sling TV
✅ Provides nationwide access to USA Network, securing the primary cable home for the league's linear broadcasts.
✅ Includes access to live, local NBC affiliates for the marquee weekend matches in designated major media markets.
✅ Serves as the cheapest way to access live cable TV sports channels without paying for a bloated traditional bundle.
DirecTV
✅ Carries both USA Network and your local NBC station, ensuring you get every nationally televised match.
✅ Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage so you can easily record and save early morning fixtures.
✅ Replicates the classic set-top box feel with a familiar channel guide, making it easy to channel-surf on weekend mornings.
Peacock Premium
✅ Streams roughly 175 exclusive live matches per season that are completely blacked out on traditional TV.
✅ Acts as the league's US archive, providing full on-demand match replays shortly after every live broadcast concludes.
✅ Streams the popular "Goal Rush" whip-around show, which jumps between live highlights during the packed Saturday 10:00 a.m. ET window.
January window brings career crossroads
With both Valverde and Dumfries firmly ahead of him in Mourinho's plans, Alexander-Arnold faces a decisive few months as he attempts to salvage his Madrid career before the winter transfer window opens. Should he remain restricted to late substitute appearances over the coming weeks, speculation over a January departure from the Bernabeu will only intensify. However, an emotional homecoming to Anfield appears unlikely to gain universal backing.