Mac Allister Faces Real Madrid U-turn as Liverpool Maintain Firm Stance.
Reports emerging from Spain suggest that Real Madrid have shifted their transfer focus away from Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after reassessing their priorities ahead of future windows. Once regarded as one of the La Liga club’s more admired Premier League targets, the Argentine now appears to have slipped down their list of preferred midfield options.
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid had identified Mac Allister as a potential reinforcement for their midfield earlier this year, viewing him as a player who could bring technical assurance and versatility to Carlo Ancelotti’s side. However, sources close to the Bernabéu now suggest that the club’s recruitment department have cooled that interest following what they perceive to be a modest start to the current season from the 26-year-old.
Instead, Madrid are said to be exploring other targets, including England international Adam Wharton, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, and Dutch starlet Kees Smit. The report claims that Mac Allister’s recent form has prompted some hesitation within Madrid’s hierarchy, though they continue to admire his tactical intelligence and composure in possession.
From Liverpool’s perspective, there has been no indication of any willingness to entertain discussions over their midfielder’s future. The club value Mac Allister as an integral part of Arne Slot’s plans, and any hypothetical approach from Madrid or elsewhere would need to surpass the £87 million (€100 million) mark before even being considered.
The Argentine was a key figure during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign last season, forming part of a rejuvenated midfield unit that blended energy, precision, and control. Though his performances this term have been slightly below that peak, largely due to minor fitness issues, he remains highly regarded at Anfield both on and off the pitch.
Slot’s system demands a high level of tactical adaptability, and while Mac Allister has shown flashes of his usual class, he is yet to consistently replicate the influence he demonstrated throughout the previous campaign. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes recently noted that the player seemed “a touch off the pace” in recent weeks, a view that aligns with Madrid’s cooling stance.
Nonetheless, Liverpool insiders have expressed confidence that Mac Allister’s form will return to its expected level once he regains full rhythm and continuity. With the player having returned late from international duty following Argentina’s friendly in Puerto Rico, his availability for the upcoming clash against Manchester United remains under assessment.
Even if Madrid’s interest has waned for now, Mac Allister’s long-term future appears secure. Liverpool’s recruitment strategy, led by Richard Hughes, has centred on maintaining stability in key positions while gradually phasing in younger options. The Argentine’s professionalism, combined with his understanding of Slot’s evolving system, ensures he remains a pivotal component of that project.
Should Real Madrid revisit their interest in the months ahead, they will find a player valued not just for his technical ability, but for his leadership and consistency—qualities that have defined Liverpool’s modern resurgence. For now, however, Mac Allister’s focus remains firmly on rediscovering his top form and helping Liverpool sustain their Premier League title defence.