Andoni Iraola breaks silence in Chicago on Real Madrid’s interest in Alexis Mac Allister, delivering a clear “best players” transfer warning to the Spanish giants.
Speculation surrounding the long-term future of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has mounted over recent days, with Spanish reports suggesting the midfielder was considering an exit from Liverpool.
Reports originating from outlet Defensa Centralclaimed that the 27-year-old’s representatives had offered the World Cup winner to Real Madrid, with an intermediary suggesting the Reds would seek a fee in the region of €100m (£85.3m) for the 2022 World Cup winner.
However, speaking at Liverpool’s pre-season tour base in Chicago, new head coach Andoni Iraola quashed suggestions that the Reds would be willing to part ways with their star midfielder, using his press conference in the US to set the record straight.
“I think Alexis has been one of the best at this club in years, look at the World Cup, it’s normal other clubs want the best players,” Iraola told reporters in Chicago. “Other clubs want my good players but I am looking to sign players than lose the ones we have here.”
The head coach defiant stance aligns directly with statements made by the player’s inner circle. Mac Allister’s father and representative, Carlos Mac Allister, acted quickly to quash rumours that any discussions had taken place with the Spanish side.
Speaking directly to 365scores he dismissed the claims, Carlos Mac Allister insisted that no contact had taken place with Los Blancos and reaffirmed his son’s commitment to seeing out his contract on Merseyside.
“We have not spoken with any official at Real Madrid,” Carlos Mac Allister stated. “What is being circulated about us holding talks with Real Madrid is not true.
“Alexis is still under contract for two seasons with Liverpool, and currently he will get some rest for a few days and then return to play in the Premier League. That is the current situation.”
Having featured through to the 2026 World Cup final in North America with Argentina, Mac Allister has been granted an extended summer break.
Consequently, he will miss the bulk of Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States, including fixtures against Sunderland in Nashville, Wrexham at Yankee Stadium, and Leeds United at Soldier Field. He is scheduled to report back to the AXA Training Centre on August 10 at the earliest.
While midfield partners Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have locked down long-term contract extensions on Merseyside, Mac Allister enters the 2026/27 campaign with two years remaining on his current agreement.
Despite missing a major portion of the pre-season schedule in the United States, Mac Allister remains a vital component of Liverpool’s central unit following a stellar 2025/26 season where his tactical versatility and technical quality were regularly on display.
When he does report back next month, he will have less than a fortnight to build up match fitness alongside new summer arrivals Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz before Liverpool kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign away to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday, August 23 (4:30 PM BST).
Live4Liverpool Verdict
Hearing Andoni Iraola deliver such a firm, hands-off response from the tour base in Chicago will come as music to the ears of Liverpool supporters. Mac Allister has established himself as one of the most reliable and complete central midfielders in Europe, and losing him ahead of Iraola’s debut season would have dealt a massive blow to the club’s momentum.
While Real Madrid will always hold a certain draw for South American superstars, Carlos Mac Allister’s swift denial shuts down any immediate panic.
Entering the final two years of his contract means Liverpool will eventually need to address his long-term future, but for now, Iraola’s message is loud and clear: Mac Allister isn’t going anywhere, and Liverpool’s focus remains strictly on building a squad capable of challenging on all fronts this season.