Richard Hughes makes Alexis Mac Allister transfer decision as Real Madrid want deal for midfielder

Liverpool have got some contract issues to solve in midfield.

After deals are concluded for Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai it will be time to talk about Alexis Mac Allister.

The Argentina World Cup winner was a vital component in the 2024/25 Premier League title win but has been beneath his best this season.

For that reason it has been suggested that Richard Hughes could be interested in selling the 27-year-old next summer. Real Madrid are known to be interested - with Planeta Real Madrid now reporting that Macca is their No1 midfield target.

Mac Allister has moved ahead of Enzo Fernandez and Rodri in Madrid’s midfield wishlist - but there is only one problem. The report concludes that Liverpool have made their minds up over Mac Allister and they do NOT want him to leave.

Alexis Mac Allister: Situation summary

Alexis Mac Allister arrived from from Brighton in 2023 on a five‑year contract to 2028, worth around £150,000 per week plus bonuses, and talks over an improved extension have been opened as part of plans to secure Arne Slot’s key midfielders.

He has become one of the mainstays of Liverpool’s midfield, used as both a deep‑lying playmaker and advanced No 8, and is part of the core leadership group on and off the pitch.

At the same time, there is sustained reporting of genuine Real Madrid interest ahead of 2026, with Spanish and English outlets repeatedly linking him as a preferred target for their next midfield refresh.

Publicly, Mac Allister has stressed that he is very happy at Liverpool and not agitating to leave, but internally the club are aware that a very high offer from Madrid could force a decision within the next 12–18 months.

For now he is a locked‑in starter, yet the Bernabéu noise means his long‑term Anfield future is less secure than his performances alone would suggest.

Analysis

“The biggest obstacle is clear. Liverpool doesn't want to sell,” the report reads.

“He's a key player in their system, and he's under contract. That would significantly increase the cost of the transfer.

“In today's market, any move of this magnitude demands a hefty sum.”

It’s clear Mac Allister has got some work to do in order to get back to his consistent best. Injury problems towards the end of last season curtailed his campaign and he lacked rhythm at the outset of the 2025/26 season after missing pre-season.

The No10 has scored a couple of goals in recent matches against Nottingham Forest and West Ham - emphasising his key-player status in the squad.

For now talk has been quiet around a new deal - but on this latest news from Madrid we can soon expect Richard Hughes to begin talks with the former Boca Juniors’ player’s entourage.

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