Alexis Mac Allister’s long-term Liverpool future remains in doubt as the spectre of Real Madrid looms this summer.
The Argentine has not been at his best this season and, with two years left on his contract, a potential transfer saga has been bubbling for a while.
Mac Allister’s father did not exactly shut down rumours that his son could one day join Madrid when asked recently, and according to a new report from TeamTALK, the Spanish giants are ready to make their move at the end of the season.
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FA Cup trophy is pictured on display ahead of the fourth round clash between Macclesfield Town and Brentford (Credit: Getty Images/James Gill - Danehouse). The Premier League trophy pictured at Anfield before Liverpool's final match of the season against Crystal Palace at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Julian Finney).
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Real Madrid think they can snatch Mac Allister
Despite looking like a shadow of himself for much of the season, Mac Allister has returned to form recently, scoring twice in Liverpool‘s past two matches and generally looking more assured.
As a result, in the opinion of Rousing The Kop, Liverpool should still be aiming to extend Mac Allister’s contract.
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However, as TeamTALK report, they may not get the chance to do so. Instead, they claim that ‘intermediaries’ think a deal with Madrid could be done.
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Los Blancos reportedly think Mac Allister has qualities which could make him an eventual heir to Luka Modric, who left the club for AC Milan last summer.
Alexis Mac Allister during Liverpool v West Ham United - Premier League
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Madrid are said to be readying a summer of ‘major investment’, which is likely to see a new central midfielder targeted.
Mac Allister is reportedly not the only one on the list, with the likes of Vitinha, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez also considered – alongside Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai.
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Alexis Mac Allister during Brentford v Liverpool - Premier League
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But it appears that Mac Allister’s perceived likeness to Modric is giving him the edge, and although TeamTALK confirm that talks are due with Liverpool over a new contract, Madrid appear to believe the 27-year-old is attainable.
Analysis: Mac Allister exit could make sense
Although Liverpool should not write Mac Allister off after one below-par season, there is also a feeling that a move here could end up suiting everyone.
There has been no real suggestion that the World Cup winner has dreamt of joining Madrid or anything like that, but as a South American, there is a fair chance that he would be interested in the move.
From Liverpool’s point of view, this summer would be the ideal time to sell Mac Allister if that is the case. With two years left on his contract they should still be looking to get a very good fee for him and after his performances this season there may be a feeling that he can be improved upon in midfield.
If that does happen, though, there should be no revisionism. As Paul Scholes said recently, Mac Allister has been ‘brilliant’ for Liverpool, and if he does stay he will likely continue to show his quality. Given the circumstances, though, an exit is starting to make sense for all parties.
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