Liverpool fans are convinced that Trent Alexander-Arnold is regretting leaving the club after hearing the first chant from Real Madrid supporters.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s high-profile move from Liverpool to Real Madrid has taken yet another dramatic twist, just days ahead of his official unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu. Though the transfer was confirmed weeks ago, the Liverpool faithful have now seized upon a moment that they believe shows the England international is already second-guessing his decision.

The 26-year-old right-back, who had been a pillar of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side for nearly a decade, was allowed to leave Anfield after refusing to extend his contract, which was due to expire at the end of June. Real Madrid moved swiftly, not only signing him on a free but also agreeing to pay Liverpool a goodwill fee of £10 million to register him in time for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.

Alexander-Arnold arrived in Madrid to great fanfare this week and is expected to be unveiled formally at the Bernabeu on Thursday. As part of the club’s tradition, Real Madrid fans gathered outside a medical facility where the England star completed his routine checks. What they brought with them, however, has sparked a storm of opinions on social media.

The supporters enthusiastically began chanting “Arnold!” as the defender stepped out to greet them. Though clearly intended as a warm welcome, the chant has raised eyebrows — particularly among Liverpool fans — due to one critical detail: Alexander-Arnold recently underwent a branding change, opting to use “Trent” on the back of his new Real Madrid shirt, moving away from his full surname.

This decision was reportedly influenced by Spanish league regulations that restrict shirt numbers to between 1 and 25, ruling out his iconic No. 66. In line with the shift, the right-back decided to highlight his first name instead, giving rise to a full rebranding campaign by the player and his representatives.

But to the watchful eyes of many Liverpool fans, the chant of “Arnold” felt like a dismissal of the player’s fresh start. They believe that this small but symbolic moment may already be sowing seeds of regret in the player’s mind. Reactions quickly poured in across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).

One user mocked the situation by posting, “Shouting ‘Arnold!’ after he’s just rebranded everything to ‘Trent’ 😂.” Another added, “’Arnold’ chants yeah man I know he’s regretting everything already,” while a third chimed in with, “He used to have so much aura, wtf happened.”

While it’s entirely speculative, the sentiment is clear: Liverpool supporters are closely watching their former hero’s transition and appear ready to pounce on any perceived hint of discomfort or discontent in Madrid. Whether that’s rooted in loyalty, heartbreak, or schadenfreude is up for debate.

This isn’t the only hiccup Alexander-Arnold has encountered in his first days at Real Madrid. The change in squad number has drawn attention, with many fans noting how odd it feels to see the full-back in a No. 12 jersey — a far cry from the No. 66 shirt that became synonymous with his rise through Liverpool’s academy to global stardom.

His decision to use “Trent” instead of “Alexander-Arnold” is also viewed by some as an attempt to simplify his identity for the Spanish fanbase — a calculated move to ease marketing and jersey sales. However, it appears Real Madrid fans weren’t briefed on this rebrand, and are naturally reverting to what they know: the surname he used for the entirety of his Premier League career.

Interestingly, this awkward branding moment overshadowed what should’ve been a joyful day for Trent. He becomes only the second signing to be unveiled under new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, following the arrival of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. Alonso, a Liverpool legend himself, had reportedly played a role in easing the transition for Trent behind the scenes.

There’s also speculation around Trent’s competitive debut, which could happen as early as June 18. Real Madrid face Saudi club Al Hilal in their Club World Cup opener, and fans are eager to see if Trent’s attacking prowess can translate on the global stage in his new environment.

Despite all the chatter, Real Madrid seem fully invested in the Englishman. Sources close to the club claim he is being groomed for a hybrid midfield-right back role — similar to the one he began adopting under Klopp in the final stages of his Liverpool tenure. That could potentially place him at the heart of Madrid’s evolving tactical plans.

For now, though, the headlines are being dominated not by tactics, but by chants. And whether Alexander-Arnold is truly regretting his move or simply caught in an awkward linguistic moment, one thing is clear — his transition to life in Madrid will be under constant scrutiny.

Liverpool fans, still reeling from the loss of one of their most beloved homegrown talents, are unlikely to ease off any time soon. Every expression, chant, and gesture will be analysed through the lens of what could’ve been if he had stayed at Anfield.

As Trent prepares to step onto the Bernabeu pitch for his unveiling, the world watches with curiosity. Can he cement a legacy at Real Madrid that matches — or surpasses — what he achieved at Liverpool? Or will chants of “Arnold” always echo as a reminder of where his heart truly lies?

Either way, the first chapter of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new journey has already made headlines — and not quite in the way anyone expected.