Liverpool
Real Madrid have placed Alexis Mac Allister on their midfield shortlist, according to the latest transfer news. Liverpool remain in a strong position because his contract runs until 2028.
Why Madrid rate Alexis Mac Allister so highly
As reported by Sky Sports Germany, Mac Allister sits near the top of Madrid’s midfield wish list. Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the Argentine, who brings running power, smart choices and solid defending. That mix suits a team that wants more control in the middle of the pitch. Madrid already have plenty of options in midfield, including Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva. Yet the squad still appears to lack a steady leader who can set the pace in the biggest games.
Federico Valverde has often played at right back, which takes a natural runner out of the middle. That gap makes Alexis Mac Allister more useful, because he can cover plenty of ground and still play forward passes. From a tactical perspective, he would work best as the anchor in a two-man pivot, guarding the back line. From that base, he could step forward to press high up the pitch whenever Madrid lose the ball. That skill would suit La Liga, where Madrid often face tight defences that need patient passing. The risk is that he gets less cover beside an attacking partner, so Madrid would need balance around him.
Mac Allister’s 2026/27 stats for Liverpool so far, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Matches Chances created Defensive contributions Duels won(%)
Premier League 8 7 69 51.7%
EFL Cup 1 2 5 54.5%
Champions League 3 6 9 61.5%
The numbers behind his value at Anfield
Mac Allister is 27 and played a major part in Liverpool’s Premier League title win in 2024/25. He also reached the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina, which raised his profile further this year. Across 162 games for the club, he has scored 23 goals and set up 21 more. That adds up to 44 goals and assists, about one every four games from central midfield. He has four goals and one assist in 12 games this season. That is above his career rate, but the sample is small. Those numbers help explain why Madrid are already looking ahead to next summer.
Andoni Iraola is in his first season at Anfield. In July, he said “it is normal that other clubs want our best players.” Few midfielders offer the same drive and control, so replacing him would be hard. Liverpool have been scouting Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, though no formal move is planned.
Liverpool hold the stronger hand
The club face no pressure to sell right now. Sky Germany adds that no firm plans exist yet to extend his deal early. Liverpool would be expected to resist any approach, so a deal would need a very large fee. Real Madrid often track targets for months before acting, so a bid is possible. Such early tracking is common in football, but the real test comes in summer 2027. That is when his deal enters its final year.
Liverpool should open talks over a new deal soon, before rival interest grows stronger. A new deal would boost Liverpool’s hand and cut the risk of a forced sale. Another key exit would upset the squad Iraola wants to build. For now there is no formal approach, but Madrid seem to be planning for summer 2027.