Liverpool is preparing for a late transfer saga involving Alexis Mac Allister, with Manchester City plotting a move after a lack of progress with Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez
Manchester City is pursuing a late deal for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister
Manchester City is pursuing a late deal for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister has made initial contact with Manchester City over a potential transfer, handing Liverpool another headache with just days remaining in the summer window.
Mac Allister, 27, is contracted with Liverpool through the 2027-28 season, but has yet to engage in formal talks with the club over an extension. The Argentine midfielder has been linked with several clubs in recent transfer windows, but has remained at Anfield.
Liverpool faces a major decision with Mac Allister, with a sale more likely if the midfielder refuses to sign a new deal. With just four days remaining in this summer transfer window, City is now exploring a potential deal after a lack of progress in the pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
It's been a summer of transition for both Liverpool and City, with both clubs hiring new head coaches and saying farewell to cornerstones of the roster. Liverpool allowed Mohamed Salah to leave a year before his contract was set to expire, and City sold Rodri to Barcelona.
Rodri wasn't the only departure from the midfield, as City has parted ways with Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez. City has signed Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, but is pushing to sign another experienced midfield star before the Sept. 1 deadline.
Former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola this summer and has been eager to reunite with Fernandez. However, despite clear interest, the potential move has yet to materialize.
City's attempts to sign Enzo Fernandez have stalled
City's attempts to sign Enzo Fernandez have stalled(Image: Getty Images)
According to The Mirror, Chelsea insists that no club-to-club contact for Fernandez has been made, and the midfielder will only be sold if a like-for-like replacement can be brought in. With City running out of time, the club has now focused its attention on Mac Allister.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, City has reached out to Mac Allister and made initial contact regarding a potential move. City has also been pursuing a deal for Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, and could make a double signing before the end of the window.
Liverpool has only made two marquee signings this summer, acquiring defender Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz, though a blockbuster deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is on the verge of completion.
Mac Allister's contract with Liverpool expires in 2028
Mac Allister's contract with Liverpool expires in 2028(Image: Getty)
The midfield position is already a cause for concern at the club, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch yet to establish a strong partnership. Liverpool also sold Curtis Jones to Inter Milan this summer.
However, Mac Allister suffered a dip in form last season, as did the majority of the Liverpool roster. With Mac Allister yet to entertain an extension, and his value dwindling, Liverpool could be forced to sell the midfielder to avoid a major loss or a potential free exit at the end of his current terms.
Liverpool hasn't sold a player to City since Raheem Sterling in 2015, and James Milner moved in the other direction that same year. The two Premier League clubs rarely conduct business, but that could change this summer.
It's thought that Liverpool would need to sign a replacement to sanction the sale of Mac Allister, especially as Stefan Bajcetic is also set to move before the end of the window. For now, young star Trey Nyoni is seen as a rotation option after an impressive preseason.