Real Madrid Set to Pursue Alexis Mac Allister Under Jose Mourinho

Acquisition plans for the Argentine international could reshape the center of the pitch at Anfield if a future window brings a formal offer. Sky Germany reports that Real Madrid intends to target Alexis Mac Allister, with Jose Mourinho identified as the primary advocate for the signing. The manager values the 27-year-old for his physicality and his ability to win duels, traits that align with Madrid's current tactical requirements.

Mac Allister remains under contract with Liverpool through 2028. There are currently no concrete negotiations regarding an extension of that deal. Liverpool is expected to resist any initial approaches, viewing the midfielder as a core component of their midfield structure. Madrid is monitoring the situation closely, but the clubs are not yet in direct dialogue over a transfer fee or the terms of a potential move.

As a precaution, Liverpool has begun evaluating alternative options to replace Mac Allister should he leave. The club holds Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha in high regard, according to the same Sky Germany report. Nmecha, 26, is not a priority target at this moment, but his status could shift as Liverpool seeks reinforcements in that specific position. He is under contract with Dortmund until June 2030, having joined the German side from Wolfsburg in 2023.

Liverpool has also added two other names to its central midfielder shortlist: Monaco's Lamine Camara and Bournemouth's Alex Scott. Both players have been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United in recent months. The club is building a list of potential replacements to ensure it has viable options if a sale materializes.

The broader market context includes several other movements that may influence these decisions. Arsenal is reportedly interested in Monza striker Gustavo Varela, a 21-year-old who has scored seven goals in eight Serie A matches this season. Napoli may make a move in January to secure his services, while Benfica retains a 20% profit share on his next transfer. Manchester United remains focused on Newcastle left back Lewis Hall, who recently extended his contract until 2031. United could revive its pursuit next summer, with Newcastle expected to block any January departure for the 22-year-old.

Bayern Munich is tracking Borussia Mönchengladbach's 17-year-old Wael Mohya, though a winter transfer is considered unlikely. Gladbach aims to extend his contract beyond 2028 and include a release clause. His long-term future at the club is tied to the team avoiding relegation. In other developments, Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens is on Roma's winter wish list, and Paris Saint-Germain is weighing a January move for Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza, prompting the German club to seek a new long-term deal for him.

Crystal Palace is reluctant to allow Ismaïla Sarr to leave in January after holding talks on a new contract. The Senegalese winger had previously sought a move to Liverpool in the summer. Manchester United and Chelsea are both monitoring Twente's Ruud Nijstad, while Ajax is keen to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare on a permanent basis. These movements indicate a busy period ahead for several top European clubs as they assess their squad needs.