Steven Gerrard is open to Trent Alexander-Arnold making a controversial return to Liverpool in the future.

The Reds academy graduate departed for Real Madrid in 2025 after 19 years at the club.

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Alexander-Arnold won nine trophies including two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at Anfield.

He also made a total of 354 first-team appearances for his boyhood club.

However, the manner of his exit did not sit well with sections of the Liverpool fanbase after he opted to let his contract expire ahead of joining Real Madrid in June 2025.

Alexander-Arnold was even booed by the Anfield crowd after confirming his plans to leave on a free transfer.

Should Liverpool re-sign Alexander-Arnold?

Despite that, Gerrard would welcome the England defender back to the club if the opportunity arose.

The former Reds captain admits it may not be the right decision to do so, though.

Asked if he would take Alexander-Arnold back at Liverpool, Gerrard told Overlap Daily: "Ability wise, talent wise, yes.

"The decision he made and all the stuff around it, do I think it would be the right thing for Liverpool's group now and the supporters? I'm going to sit on the fence and say I'm unsure.

"Ability wise, talent wise, what he'd done for Liverpool in terms of the success, I would say yes, but the ending and that still being a little bit raw...

"I would, yes, myself personally. So I won't sit on the fence because that's poor from me. I would, yes.

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"Do I think it's the right thing for this group now, this manager now and where Liverpool are at right now? I'm unsure."

He continued: "Does he make the Liverpool team and squad better? Ability wise and talent wise? He does, 100 per cent.

"It's tough, it's tough. I would, yes, and ability wise, yes, I'm just not sure it's right for the group, right now."

Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid future

Gerrard's comments come amid a lack of playing time for Alexander-Arnold at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 28-year-old has been an unused substitute on six separate occasions in all competitions already this season.

Meanwhile, his 90 minutes against Racing Santander on Sunday was just the second time this term he has played an entire match for Jose Mourinho's side.

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Overall, Alexander-Arnold's eight outings in all competitions have consisted of five starts and three appearances as a substitute.

Despite that, he has ruled out a move away from the club when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Alexander-Arnold penned a six-year deal upon joining Real Madrid 17 months ago.

As a result, his contract is not set to expire until the summer of 2031.