Liverpool keep Alexis Mac Allister as Real Madrid interest cools
Liverpool are highly likely to keep Alexis Mac Allister this summer after transfer talk cooled, with Real Madrid signing Bernardo Silva and pivoting toward Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez instead. The Argentina midfielder, long linked with a Bernabeu move, is expected to return to preseason under new boss Andoni Iraola to fight for his place.
Mac Allister's Liverpool future had been in doubt after a difficult season under Arne Slot, who has since left the club. With midfield reshuffles expected at Anfield and no new contract talks underway, Real Madrid had been viewed as persistent suitors. A Liverpool Echo report cited by Yahoo Sports now suggests the Spanish giants have moved on.
Key Takeaways
- Talk of a Mac Allister exit has cooled after Real Madrid signed Bernardo Silva and targeted Enzo Fernandez.
- The 27-year-old World Cup winner has two years left on his Liverpool deal and no extension talks are active.
- Mac Allister told ESPN's Ball Knowledge he prefers a double-six role, a message new manager Andoni Iraola is expected to hear.
- He remained on World Cup duty as Argentina faced Cape Verde in the Round of 32 while club speculation swirled.
Why has Real Madrid's interest in Mac Allister cooled?
Jose Mourinho's arrival as Real Madrid head coach has reshaped the club's midfield plans. Madrid completed a free transfer for Bernardo Silva from Manchester City and are now pursuing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, another Argentina international.
According to the Liverpool Echo report relayed by Yahoo Sports, that restructuring leaves no room for Mac Allister in Mourinho's blueprint. The outlet quoted: "Talk over a possible departure for Alexis Mac Allister has cooled, with long-term suitors Real Madrid having signed Bernardo Silva and now looking at Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea."
What is Mac Allister's contract situation at Liverpool?
Mac Allister joined Liverpool from Brighton for around £35 million in 2023 and is under contract until 2028. Despite that security, no talks are currently taking place over a new deal, leaving his long-term status uncertain even if a summer exit now looks unlikely.
Liverpool have been tipped for major midfield changes this summer. Curtis Jones, whose deal expires in 2027, has also been linked with a possible departure. Mac Allister, meanwhile, has been below his best over the past year despite remaining a player of rare quality, Yahoo Sports noted.
What did Mac Allister say about his role and future?
While preparing for Argentina's World Cup Round of 32 clash with Cape Verde, Mac Allister spoke to ESPN channel Ball Knowledge about where he fits best on the pitch, as reported by Yardbarker. He said he likes to "do a bit of everything" and help the team wherever needed, but named a double-six setup as his best position.
That preference differs from some of his recent Liverpool deployments alongside Ryan Gravenberch, where he operated deeper. With Iraola now in charge at Anfield, that clarity on positioning could matter if Mac Allister stays and fights to rediscover top form in preseason.
How does World Cup duty factor into the story?
Mac Allister's club future was playing out against the backdrop of Argentina's knockout campaign in North America. The New York Times live coverage of Argentina versus Cape Verde on July 3 tracked Lionel Messi leading the defending champions in a last-32 tie at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
For Liverpool supporters watching from afar, the immediate question was settled off the pitch: Mac Allister appears set to get another chance under Iraola rather than follow the Bernabeu links. For more transfer twists involving high-profile names, follow our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.