Real Madrid target Alexis Mac Allister in summer 2027 raid as Liverpool contract talks stall

Real Madrid are targeting Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as their marquee signing for the summer of 2027, according to reports in Spain, with president Florentino Perez and manager Jose Mourinho both backing a move for the Argentine international.

Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Perez wants to “take advantage of the fact that the player has yet to renew his contract,” with Mac Allister’s current deal running until June 2028. Liverpool have not yet initiated extension talks, a window of opportunity that Real Madrid are said to be monitoring closely. Any move before the contract expires would still require a negotiated transfer fee.

Mac Allister, 27, joined Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023 for a fee that rose to around £55 million. He won the Premier League title in his second season at Anfield under Arne Slot and has rediscovered his best form since Andoni Iraola took charge. The World Cup winner with Argentina has been valued for his ability to press, win back possession, and link midfield with attack through incisive passing.

According to Fichajes, Mourinho views Mac Allister as a midfielder who “provides balance without sacrificing creativity” — a profile that fits Real Madrid’s need for a dynamic presence in the centre of the park. The report notes that Mac Allister “can play in front of the defence, press opposing midfielders, and link up with attackers through through balls.”

Real Madrid arrive at this juncture having closed the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona with a 2-1 El Clasico victory on Sunday, but the club have not won La Liga or the Champions League since the 2023-24 season. That relatively short wait is nonetheless enough to prompt activity in the transfer market under Perez, who has a well-documented appetite for high-profile acquisitions.

Mac Allister began his European career with Brighton after joining from Argentinos Juniors in 2019, with loan spells back in Argentina at his former club and Boca Juniors before establishing himself in the Premier League. He has been a consistent presence in Liverpool’s midfield, though not always a seamless tactical fit under either Slot or his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

With two years remaining on his deal, the looming interest from the Bernabeu is likely to sharpen the timeline for any contract discussions Liverpool choose to open. Should those talks not materialise, Real Madrid will be positioned to press their case — though they can expect to pay a significant fee if they want to secure Mac Allister before his contract enters its final year.