Jose Mourinho has sent a clear message to Trent Alexander-Arnold: his time at Real Madrid is running out.

By starting Federico Valverde ahead of the Liverpool player in Los Blancos’ clash with Sevilla last weekend, Mourinho made it clear that he does not trust the England international and that he should start looking for a new club.

And Trent will not have to look far. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are all monitoring the 28-year-old, according to TeamTalk.

Moreover, the player himself is starting to grow frustrated with the situation and is ready to push for a move.

But while there is plenty of interest in Alexander-Arnold, the reality is that there is only one club that truly suits him.

Forget the emotion – Liverpool are perfect for Trent

Take out the emotion of a potential return to Liverpool from the equation, and a move back to Anfield remains Trent’s best possible destination, according to data analytics firm SciSports.

Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Anfield in the summer of 2025 was a controversial decision – not least for the manner in which he conducted himself. Continually refusing to acknowledge his links with Real Madrid only to emerge at his presentation for Los Blancos speaking Spanish was not a good look and something that did not go down well at Anfield. He was even jeered by a significant section of the support when he returned in the Champions League last season.

But the reality is that returning to Merseyside is the best option for him based on SciSports’ analysis, which takes into account a wide range of factors, including potential development, game time, style and formation.

Liverpool are given a Club Fit score of 83 – significantly ahead of their rivals in the chase for the full-back.

Manchester City might rival the Reds with a 79, but given the uncertainty over their immediate future, going to the Etihad Stadium would be a big gamble for the Scouse full-back. He is 28, so does he really want to risk spending a year or more in the Championship?

Arsenal and Chelsea, meanwhile, both lag Liverpool with a score of 71.

Trent’s attacking profile casts doubts over his suitability for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, which is reflected by their score of just two stars in terms of their playing style.

He is a far neater fit for Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea, yet SciSports suggests this would not be a good move for his development, while his playing time would also be under threat.

Liverpool can offer the complete package

Liverpool can offer Trent everything. With Conor Bradley having struggled for his fitness and Jeremie Frimpong likely on his way out due to his poor form, there is definite scope for the former Anfield hero to return.

He would be doing so with his tail between his legs, however. Not only does the manner of his departure cast a cloud over his previous legacy at Liverpool, the fact that he would be coming back a Real Madrid flop threatens to be a source of embarrassment.

But it could also be the fuel that Trent needs to rekindle his career, faced with a fresh challenge in a familiar setting.

History has proven that Alexander-Arnold should never have left Liverpool. This could be just the chance he needs to make amends.