Anfield Index
·05 de fevereiro de 2026
Report: Real Madrid receive boost in pursuit of Liverpool star

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·05 de fevereiro de 2026

Liverpool supporters woke to familiar transfer intrigue after a report from The Athletic suggested Real Madrid interest in Alexis Mac Allister could yet resurface. While no formal approach has been made, the idea of Europe’s most decorated club circling one of Anfield’s most important midfielders inevitably sparks debate, and concern.
The report revisits long standing admiration from Madrid, outlining how Mac Allister remains “well-liked” inside the Spanish giants’ hierarchy. That alone does not mean a deal is imminent, but it reinforces how closely elite clubs continue to monitor Liverpool’s core players.
According to the article, Real Madrid are expected to explore midfield reinforcements during the upcoming summer window. Mac Allister’s name emerged again, with reference to Carlo Ancelotti’s previous interest during his time in the Bernabeu dugout.
Mario Cortegana reports: ‘Although no deal was ever fully explored, Madrid received positive feedback from those around him. The 27-year-old is well-liked at the club, and his contract at Anfield until 2028 might make a deal more feasible, if Madrid were to make a move.’

Photo: IMAGO
That contract length is key. Liverpool retain leverage, yet Madrid’s confidence often lies in patience rather than urgency. Interest does not always require immediate action, it can simply sit in the background until conditions align.
From a Liverpool perspective, Mac Allister’s importance has not diminished. While his form has fluctuated at times this season, his tactical intelligence and composure remain vital under Arne Slot. His workload tells its own story, with 2,238 minutes played across competitions, ranking him among the most relied upon figures in the squad.
The Argentine also carries recent pedigree against Madrid, having scored the winning goal against them at Anfield earlier this season. Performances like that tend to linger in the memory, particularly for clubs who value players comfortable on the biggest stage.
Elite players want elite stages. European football’s top competition continues to shape career decisions, and Liverpool know that qualification carries consequences beyond finances. Maintaining Champions League status helps protect squads from external temptation, especially when clubs like Real Madrid are watching.
Mac Allister may view this period as a defining chapter of his career. Opportunities to join a club of Madrid’s stature rarely come twice. That reality does not make a move inevitable, but it ensures speculation will persist.

Photo: IMAGO
With nearly two and a half years remaining on his deal, Liverpool are not under immediate pressure. Any approach would require significant commitment, both financially and strategically. The Reds remain well placed to resist, should they choose to do so.
From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report lands with a familiar sense of frustration. The constant background noise linking key players with Real Madrid never truly disappears, and it feels relentless when progress on the pitch remains fragile. Mac Allister was meant to represent stability, a cornerstone signing around whom a new era could be built.
What stings most is the implication that contract length makes a move “more feasible”. Supporters expect Liverpool to be decisive and assertive in moments like this, not reactive. The idea that Europe’s elite can quietly position themselves while Liverpool fight for qualification fuels anxiety, especially after seasons of transition.
There is also a lingering worry that Liverpool have not fully replaced the aura that once made Anfield the final destination rather than a stepping stone. Arne Slot has brought structure and optimism, but results must follow quickly to prevent elite talent from entertaining alternative paths.
Mac Allister leaving would not simply be a transfer, it would feel like another signal that Liverpool are still rebuilding their identity. Fans want reassurance, ambition, and clarity. Until those arrive consistently, reports like this will always hit harder than they should.








































