Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister is reported to be eyeing an exit from Anfield, and his camp have apparently reached out to Real Madrid.
Few players have justified Liverpool's faith quite like Mac Allister.
macallister-liverpool
Since arriving from Brighton in the summer of 2023, the Argentine has become one of the first names on the teamsheet. Whether playing as a deep-lying playmaker or in a more advanced midfield role, his intelligence, passing range and composure have made him the heartbeat of Liverpool's midfield.
By the end of last season, he had already reached 150 appearances for the club, winning both the Carabao Cup and Premier League while contributing 19 goals along the way.
Alexis Mac Allister for Liverpool
The 25/26 campaign was more difficult for both player and club, but Mac Allister still produced moments of real quality.
He finished the season with 55 appearances in all competitions, five goals and seven assists despite Liverpool struggling to reach the standards they had previously set.
His work rate never disappeared, even when results did, remaining one of the squad's most technically gifted midfielders.
Football FanCast's Verdict
Credibility
Finances
Insight
Impact
That is exactly why Andoni Iraola will want to keep him, and selling him would leave a huge hole.
Replacing technical quality is difficult enough, but replacing leadership, experience and a World Cup winner's mentality is even harder.
Alexis Mac Allister's agents offer him to Real Madrid as Liverpool set asking price
According to journalist Alexis Rodríguez, relayed by Joseph Agbobli, Mac Allister now believes his Liverpool chapter has come to an end.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister
Rodriguez reports the midfielder's representatives have offered him to Real Madrid, with Liverpool prepared to consider his departure if a bid worth around £85 million arrives.
It is certainly a headline-grabbing claim.
Real have admired Mac Allister for some time as they continue planning the next evolution of their midfield, while Liverpool's valuation reflects both his importance and the inflated market for elite central midfielders.
However, there are reasons to remain cautious.
Alexis Mac Allister and Adam Wharton
Neither Liverpool nor Real have publicly indicated negotiations are underway, while previous comments from Mac Allister's family have played down speculation linking him with a move to Spain.
From Liverpool's perspective, selling him now would feel like the wrong decision.
Iraola has inherited enough challenges without losing one of his smartest footballers. Unless the player is genuinely determined to leave, keeping Mac Allister should be a priority.
Aston Villa EMERY Related
Star was very keen to sign for Liverpool, but he's now joining Aston Villa instead
Andoni Iraola's side rejected the chance to do a deal.