Trent Alexander-Arnold is on course to make his La Liga debut as Real Madrid kick off their 2025/26 season at home to Osasuna on August 19.
The England international completed his long-awaited move from Liverpool ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup as the Reds eventually secured a £10m transfer fee for their former No.66.
Trent had been in talks with Real Madrid over a summer free transfer since the start of 2025 but the small print of his expiring contract caused a blockage between Merseyside and Madrid.
To release the 26-year-old from the final weeks of his contract, Liverpool demanded a fee, and Los Blancos were forced to pay to bring him on board for the trip to the USA.
He featured consistently in Real Madrid's run to the semifinals, before being swept aside by PSG, and he's a certain starter for Xabi Alonso against Osasuna.
Despite current right-back Dani Carvajal being promoted to club captain following Luka Modric's exit, Trent is crucial to Alonso's new-look squad.
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However, despite the optimism surrounding his move to Madrid, a well-respected voice has offered a word of warning over what is needed from Trent in the months ahead.
Steve McManaman issues Real Madrid warning to Trent
Double UEFA Champions League winner Steve McManaman knows exactly what Trent is going through following his move after treading the same path back in 1999.
After failing to agree a contract extension at Liverpool, McManaman agreed a free transfer to Real Madrid, as an early trailblazer of English players in Spain.
He won two La Liga titles and two UCL crowns during his time in the Spanish capital but the 53-year-old warned Trent to improve his language skills to ensure a smooth start.
"He knows how to integrate into the Real Madrid side, he knows how to adapt. He needs to learn the language as soon as possible," as per ESPN via the Daily Mail.
"I know he did his [introductory] press conference in Spanish, but his Spanish is not that good. That was just a bit of smoke and mirrors."
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