The 27-year-old right-back joined Madrid in the summer of 2025 as a free agent from Liverpool, where he had spent his entire career. The move was one of the most high-profile transfers of last year's window, carrying expectations that proved difficult to meet in the opening months of the campaign.
Two separate injuries — a muscle problem that kept him out until January and a knee issue sustained against Athletic Club in March — severely disrupted his first season. He made 30 appearances in total, contributing three assists in the league, but started only 14 LaLiga fixtures.
His defensive performances also drew criticism, particularly in the first half of the campaign, as he struggled to adapt to the physical and positional demands of playing for a side that presses as intensively as Madrid.
In an open message to supporters, Alexander-Arnold chose to be candid about the difficulties.
"You received me with open arms. From the first day I arrived you have protected me."
He continued: "It took me a few months to find my rhythm and adapt to the new environment, but now I feel completely at home."
Sources within the club have indicated genuine optimism about what he can contribute next season, particularly after the upturn in form he showed across the final weeks of the campaign. His delivery from deep and ability to operate as a creative midfielder from right-back are seen as significant assets for whatever system the incoming coach José Mourinho opts to deploy.
His exclusion from England's World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel — a decision made before the international deadline — means Alexander-Arnold will spend the summer focused entirely on physical preparation rather than tournament football.
"I will take a good rest and work during the summer," he said. "I promise that we will bring trophies back to this incredible club next season."
Madrid finished second in LaLiga this season, were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich and suffered a Copa del Rey exit to lower-league Albacete. The bar next season will be significantly higher.