Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close eye on Alexis Mac Allister, with the Spanish giants viewing the Liverpool midfielder as a potential priority target.
It is hardly surprising that one of Europe’s biggest clubs would be interested in signing the Argentine international. When Mac Allister is playing at his best, he has the technical ability, intelligence and composure to control matches at the highest level.
But there is an important detail Liverpool supporters should take encouragement from: Mac Allister is not pushing for an Anfield exit.
Instead, he is reportedly focused on continuing his career at Liverpool and earning a new contract through his performances on the pitch.
That is exactly what I want to hear.
However, the club needs to make sure it doesn’t leave things too late.
Real Madrid interest is a warning Liverpool should take seriously
Real Madrid have been linked with Mac Allister for some time, and their interest is understandable.
He is a World Cup winner, a Premier League champion and a midfielder capable of operating in several roles.
He can dictate the tempo, find forward passes, win possession and contribute in the attacking areas.
At 27, he should still have some of his best years ahead of him.
Madrid are always looking for players who can improve their midfield, and Mac Allister certainly has the qualities to fit into a team competing for the biggest trophies.
But Liverpool should not be helping them by allowing his contract situation to become increasingly complicated.
Mac Allister deserves a new contract
There is an uncomfortable background to this situation.
Mac Allister admitted earlier this season that he was very disappointed Liverpool had not offered him a new contract, particularly after Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai were handed improved long-term deals.
He also revealed that he had opportunities to leave during the summer but chose to stay because he believes Liverpool is the right club for him.
He has been honest about wanting to remain at Anfield, but he also understands that he needs to perform to convince the club to offer him fresh terms.
His current contract runs until 2028, so Liverpool are not facing an immediate expiry. However, next summer will be an important point in deciding his future.
I don’t believe the club should wait until the situation becomes urgent.
Mac Allister has already demonstrated his quality and importance to Liverpool. If he continues performing at the level expected of him, I would be looking to reward him with a new deal.
Iraola needs Mac Allister in his midfield
One of the biggest challenges facing Andoni Iraola is getting the balance right in Liverpool’s midfield.
I’ve said repeatedly that this department needs attention, particularly when it comes to defensive protection and the ability to move the ball forward quickly.
But that doesn’t mean Liverpool should be looking to replace Mac Allister.
I actually think he could be even more effective with the right midfield partner alongside him.
He has the intelligence to read the game, the technical quality to dictate possession and the ability to play passes that break opposition lines.
Liverpool need more players with those qualities, not fewer.
Iraola should be building a midfield around the strengths of players like Mac Allister while identifying the right additions to improve the overall balance.
Losing him would create another major rebuilding job.
Liverpool cannot afford another contract situation dragging on
The worrying thing is that Liverpool have already had enough uncertainty surrounding the futures of important players.
Mac Allister has publicly expressed disappointment at the lack of a new offer, while other clubs are clearly monitoring the situation.
There is no suggestion that Real Madrid have agreed a deal or that Liverpool are preparing to sell him. Interest is not the same as a transfer agreement.
But the longer the situation remains unresolved, the more opportunity there is for speculation to grow.
The arrival of sporting director Julian Ward and changes behind the scenes could potentially influence future contract decisions, but Liverpool need to make their intentions clear.
If they see Mac Allister as part of Iraola’s long-term plans, they should act accordingly.
My verdict: Keep Mac Allister at all costs within reason
I don’t want to see Liverpool lose Alexis Mac Allister.
He is an intelligent footballer who brings quality, experience and composure to the midfield. He is also at an age where Liverpool should be getting the best years of his career.
Real Madrid can monitor him all they want, but Liverpool should be doing everything reasonable to convince him that his future belongs at Anfield.
The midfielder has reportedly made it clear that he wants to stay and earn a new deal through his performances.
Now the club needs to respond.
I understand that Liverpool have to make sensible financial decisions, and nobody should be handed a contract simply because of their reputation. But Mac Allister has earned serious consideration.
I would much rather see Liverpool strengthen the midfield around Mac Allister than allow one of Europe’s biggest clubs to take him away.
He should be part of Iraola’s plans for the future, not another player Liverpool are forced to replace.
By Jamie
(The Kopite View)
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