Steven Gerrard has urged Trent Alexander-Arnold to come back to Liverpool, saying he wished the 27-year-old had never left Anfield for Real Madrid last summer.

Gerrard, speaking to BFM Radio, said: "I wished and hoped that Trent didn’t leave us," and added: "Certainly, you’ll understand and respect every player has got their own career and can make their own decisions."

The former Liverpool captain also said: "But it's very difficult to replace a player of Trent's level because he is world-class. Hopefully — hopefully — he might return one day. I think it's critical and key that we keep producing homegrown talent." The comments land at a moment when Liverpool have had to reshuffle at right-back because of injuries and poor form, and when there is a strong sense around the club that they have missed Alexander-Arnold since he departed.

Alexander-Arnold’s first year in Spain has not gone smoothly. He was in and out of the team early on under Xabi Alonso, had to share right-back duties with Dani Carvajal and saw a hamstring injury disrupt his start at Real Madrid. Since then, he has carved out a more regular place in the side under Alvaro Arbeloa, but the move has still not produced the seamless step forward many expected from Liverpool’s former vice-captain.

The backdrop in Madrid has not helped. Real have been described as being in turmoil because of in-fighting during training, while reports in Spain have indicated that Alexander-Arnold is among those considered safe in the current squad. Even so, the footballing return has been mixed, and Real also lost the La Liga title to Barcelona after Barcelona were crowned champions following victory in El Clasico.

For Liverpool, the timing of Gerrard’s intervention adds another layer to a conversation that has been running for months. Glen Johnson said back in March that he would love to see Trent back as Liverpool’s starting right-back next season, a view that has been echoed by supporters who have watched the club try different options in his absence. Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield in November, and he has always insisted he would make a return to the stadium one day, even if that is not as a player.

That leaves the question less about sentiment than about reality. Liverpool want stability at right-back, Madrid want their squad settled, and Alexander-Arnold remains a 27-year-old who has already lived through one of the most scrutinized transfers in European football. For now, the possibility that he could eventually walk back through the Anfield doors still feels more like a future chapter than a closing line.