Liverpool's Argentine midfielder emerges as a top target for City's midfield rebuild, but a contract running until 2028 makes this anything but straightforward.
Manchester City has reached out to the representatives of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister about a potential summer transfer, positioning the Argentine international as a possible replacement for Rodri. The contact signals City’s intent to reshape its midfield ahead of what could be a pivotal offseason at the Etihad.
Mac Allister, 27, is under contract at Anfield until the summer of 2028 and reportedly earns approximately $7.8 million per year. Liverpool has both the leverage and the financial commitment to make any deal extraordinarily difficult for their Premier League rivals.
Why City is looking and why Liverpool won’t want to sell
The backdrop here is Rodri. The Spanish midfielder has been the subject of persistent transfer speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid. Mac Allister fits the profile of what City would need. He arrived at Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023 and quickly established himself as a core part of Arne Slot’s setup.
Liverpool reportedly plans to open new contract discussions with Mac Allister after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That timeline suggests Liverpool views the Argentine as a long-term pillar, not someone it’s willing to let walk into the arms of a direct title competitor.
The Premier League’s midfield arms race
City has also been linked with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez as part of what appears to be a multi-pronged approach to securing Rodri’s successor.
What Mac Allister brings to the table
Mac Allister was a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, performing alongside Lionel Messi. That experience, combined with his Premier League track record at both Brighton and Liverpool, makes him one of the most well-rounded midfield options available.
With four years remaining on his Liverpool deal, the Reds would be under no pressure to sell and could demand a premium fee. Liverpool’s planned contract extension talks after the 2026 World Cup add another variable. If the club moves quickly to improve Mac Allister’s terms, City’s window of opportunity narrows considerably.
No formal bid has been lodged yet. Contact with representatives is the opening move in what could be a long process, as no direct responses from either club or the player have been confirmed.
Source: Crypto Briefing
