A former Liverpool ace has given his thoughts on a potential return to Anfield for Trent Alexander-Arnold, as links continue to ramp up over a potential transfer

Former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson wouldn't like to see Trent Alexander-Arnold back at Anfield, despite links surrounding a possible return for the academy graduate.

It follows a difficult time at Real Madrid for the defender, who hasn't been able to establish himself as a regular in the first team in his preferred position over the past year. While last season's issues spanned injuries and form concerns, this campaign has been about competition for places.

Denzel Dumfries and Federico Valverde have emerged as options that Jose Mourinho appears to prefer, causing plenty of concern surrounding Alexander-Arnold's minutes in the team. As a result, plenty of doubt now surrounds the 28-year-old's long-term future at the Bernabeu, with clubs seemingly positioning themselves for a potential deal next summer should an exit be on the cards.

Liverpool has been among those linked with a switch, as the club has struggled to deal with the right-back position since his exit, though Ronald Araujo is certainly making a case to be the permanent solution there moving forward.

A move for Alexander-Arnold has left some divided in opinion, with the fans not dealing with his initial exit well.

While Jamie Carragher is willing to see the academy graduate return, some are not quite as willing to see the star back in a red jersey.

Former Liverpool right-back Johnson believes that a move back to Anfield could hurt the defender's legacy more, having failed to live up to the expectations set during his time on Merseyside.

Speaking to Betfred, he said: "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.

“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.”

It remains to be seen whether that is the case, as Alexander-Arnold's struggles at Real Madrid could be linked to the system and tactics, or perhaps his ability to settle well. A move elsewhere may well see him rediscover his best form, and there is seemingly no lack of suitors out there.

Whether Liverpool is willing to risk the former star moving elsewhere in the Premier League and impressing remains to be seen, but it could be the case that there is comfort in moving on from him, too.

With months before a decision has to be made in either direction, the Reds have time to make a decision, and so too does Alexander-Arnold. Before then, plenty can change for either in their situations and fortunes.