Contract negotiations between Liverpool and midfielder Alexis Mac Allister have stalled, casting doubt over the Argentine's long-term future at Anfield. According to a report by The Times' Paul Joyce, a trusted source on Liverpool affairs, talks over a new deal for the 27-year-old are not currently taking place, despite the club having secured an extension for Ryan Gravenberch and continuing discussions with Dominik Szoboszlai.
The situation has alerted elite European clubs, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both credited with interest in the World Cup winner. Previous reports have indicated Liverpool would consider bids in the region of £80 million for Mac Allister, who they now view as a significant saleable asset. The development comes amid a broader midfield evaluation at Liverpool, with the club also facing the prospect of Curtis Jones seeking a departure for more regular football.
Mac Allister was instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League title triumph last season under then-new manager Arne Slot, making 49 appearances across all competitions. His form has dipped this campaign, however, with his influence in attack diminishing and questions arising over the midfield's defensive solidity. There is internal debate over whether this is a symptom of a player in decline or a system that is failing to extract his best qualities.
The potential for a major summer reshuffle is growing, with Liverpool understood to be targeting Crystal Palace's England international Adam Wharton, who is valued at around £70 million. The sale of Mac Allister could help fund such a move and facilitate a refresh of the engine room. Joyce noted that the situations of Mac Allister and Jones are somewhat linked given their positions, with Jones potentially unwilling to wait on the outcome of his teammate's future.
Intriguingly, the speculation has also opened the door to a potential reunion with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Spanish media reports have suggested Mac Allister is among five players Klopp would target if he secures the Real Madrid job ahead of Jose Mourinho. While Liverpool are working to secure Szoboszlai to a new contract to fend off Madrid's interest in the Hungarian, they might be more willing to compromise on Mac Allister's future.
For Liverpool, losing a player of Mac Allister's calibre would represent a significant shift, signalling a move away from a key component of last season's success. For the player, a move to the Spanish capital would offer a fresh start and the chance to reignite his career at one of Europe's most prestigious clubs. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the stalled talks can be revived or if Liverpool's midfield is set for a substantial and costly overhaul.
