Liverpool transfer mystery Alexis Mac Allister REVEALED

Real Madrid’s visit to Anfield on Wednesday evening comes amid a turbulent history for both clubs.

Liverpool sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League but what was supposed to be a moment of celebration was immediately marred by Mo Salah telling reporters he had not yet received a new contract offer from the club.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are trying to recover from a shocking run of form that recently saw them go 4-0 in the El Clasico and lose several games in the Champions League. And although it looked like new star man Kylian Mbappe was back to his best at the weekend, they have now been rocked over the next few weeks by the loss of star winger Vinicius Junior.

And as two of the biggest clubs in the world, there has been significant overlap between the two teams in recent history.

Real have had the Reds’ best opponents in previous meetings – including in the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals and a 6-2 aggregate win in the last meeting between the two teams in the round of 16 of the 2023/24 Champions League.

Importantly, Madrid also beat Liverpool through the signings of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, whose services Liverpool were naturally interested in.

Madrid themselves were reportedly interested in Alexis Mac Allister in the summer, but apparently no contact and transfer took place, despite reports that the player was “flattered” by the connections. With Liverpool in a high-performing transition period, it’s probably worth asking: Would it be worth selling Mac Allister to Real Madrid?

Pros of keeping Mac Allister at Liverpool

It increases the likelihood of Real Madrid selling Tchouameni to Liverpool

Liverpool’s recent links with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni have begun to heat up, with the midfielder reportedly fitting well into Arne Slot’s system. Despite playing further back than Mac Allister, his 8.4 progressive passes and almost 1 progressive carry per 90 suggest he would be capable of operating in the space Mac Allister currently occupies.

Opens up space for Zubimendi in the side

New reports suggest Liverpool are looking to move in for Martin Zubimendi again in January and that the midfielder will be open to that approach this time. However, one of the main problems now is that Ryan Gravenberch cannot be removed from defensive midfield. Along with Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and a returning Harvey Elliott, Liverpool’s midfield has depth. However, the extradition of Mac Allister would leave a spot vacant that Zubimendi could fill perfectly.

Provides funds to be used for the three major contracts

It’s no secret that the biggest issue facing Liverpool at the moment is the future of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk at the club. All three are out of contract at the end of the season and fans want to see those contracts resolved sooner rather than later. While finances shouldn’t be the sticking point, a big sale of Mac Allister wouldn’t affect the club’s ability to pay these players what they want.

Cons of selling Mac Allister to Real Madrid

Mac Allister makes this system work

It’s been little reported, but you only have to look at yesterday’s lackluster first half against Southampton to realize that Alexis Mac Allister is vital to the good performances of this Liverpool side at the moment. His ability to advance the ball and commit a high number of tackles ensures the team can continue to attack the way they intend. Arne Slot would have to figure out who could take his place at the same level, which has not yet been proven.