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Andoni Iraola## Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola clarified that midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is wanted by the club as a crucial part of its plans after Real Madrid speculation built during Argentina's World Cup run
01:22, 22 Jul 2026
Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola speaks to the media
Andoni Iraola doesn't intend to lose Alexis Mac Allister to Real Madrid
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has reached the stage of his professional career where any strong World Cup moment brings along links to the top clubs across Europe.
Coach Andoni Iraola doesn't sound interested in parting ways with a top star during his first year with the club that also includes high expectations. Iraola shut down questions about Mac Allister's future and links to Real Madrid during a press conference in Chicago at the start of the club's preseason tour.
The Argentina midfielder was linked with a move to Spain after helping his country reach the World Cup final and logging one goal and assist during the tournament. Meanwhile, Andy Robertson faced heat from former Liverpool supporters after officially joining Tottenham Hotspur.
"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 said. "Other clubs want my good players but I am looking to sign players than lose the ones we have here."
This response aligns with the public statements from Mac Allister's father and representative, Carlos Mac Allister, who has consistently denied transfer rumors.
"We have not spoken to any Real Madrid official. What is being circulated about us holding talks with Real Madrid is not true," said his father. The Reds midfielder's contract with Liverpool remains active through 2028.
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates a goal during the 2026 World Cup
Alexis Mac Allister logged 1 goal and assist during the 2026 World Cup
Mac Allister started seven of Argentina's eight matches, played 750 minutes, scored once, provided one assist, took 13 shots with four on target, won 12 tackles, and made nine interceptions before the 1-0 final defeat to Spain.
His standout moment in the tournament was scoring in the quarter-final win over Switzerland during Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory. Mac Allister has also discussed playing under Iraola next season and his preferred position.
Mac Allister's timely assist came during the Round of 32 win over Cabo Verde to help Argentina survive a close scare as they went on to reach the final.
Alexis Mac Allister reacts after Argentina's World Cup elimination
Liverpool's manager shut down Mac Allister to Real Madrid rumors
Over three Premier League seasons at Anfield, Mac Allister has played 105 matches, started 92, accumulated 7,856 minutes, and contributed 12 goals and 14 assists.
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Mac Allister is not included in Liverpool's USA preseason squad as he is on a mandated three-week break following Argentina's run to the final. Liverpool will play against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium before facing Leeds at Soldier Field and returning to Anfield to play Monaco and Como.
The squad includes Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and several younger players.
Andoni Iraola
Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool FC
FIFA World Cup