Manchester United Plot Shock Raid on Liverpool for Alexis Mac Allister
In a stunning twist to the summer transfer saga, Manchester United are reportedly considering a bold move to sign Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. The 27-year-old Argentina World Cup winner, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Anfield, has been identified as a potential target as United seek to bolster their midfield options.
Speculation around Mac Allister's future has intensified this season, with the former Brighton star struggling to replicate his usual high standards. If the deal materialises, it would mark a rare direct transfer between the bitter rivals, with the last such move occurring in 1964 when Phil Chisnall switched allegiances.
Liverpool's Summer Spending and Current Campaign
Liverpool embarked on a record-breaking spending spree last summer, shattering their transfer fee twice with acquisitions of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. Additional signings included Hugo Ekitike for £79 million, Milos Kerkez for £40 million, Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million, and Giovanni Leoni for £26 million.
Despite this significant investment, the Reds' season has not unfolded as planned under manager Arne Slot. However, the team remains competitive in the Champions League and FA Cup, while also vying for a European qualification spot. The focus at Anfield is likely on further reinforcements rather than offloading key assets like Mac Allister.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Receives Reassurance at Real Madrid
Meanwhile, former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed a positive verdict on his future at Real Madrid by manager Alvaro Arbeloa. The full-back, who joined Los Blancos last summer, provided his second assist for the club in a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the weekend, marking his first start since December 3 after recovering from injury.
Alexander-Arnold's time in Madrid has been marred by limited playing time, leading to rumours he could depart after just one season. Some reports even suggested he was told to seek a new club. However, Arbeloa, a former Liverpool player himself who took over from Xabi Alonso last month, has publicly backed the English international.
"He seems very, very intelligent to me; he understands the game quite well and quite quickly," Arbeloa stated after Saturday's win. "He’s not the typical full-back who’s always out wide; he’ll also be playing a lot further inside. In our system, we want players like that."
This endorsement comes as Real Madrid have won all five of their league matches under Arbeloa's management, with Alexander-Arnold's performance against Sociedad showcasing his trademark passing ability and adaptability in a more central role.
Implications for Liverpool and the Transfer Market
The potential loss of Mac Allister to Manchester United would be a significant blow for Liverpool, disrupting their squad dynamics and handing a psychological advantage to their historic rivals. Conversely, Alexander-Arnold's solidified position at Real Madrid could ease concerns for Liverpool fans about a key academy product's career trajectory, though it also highlights the competitive challenges at the top level of European football.
As the summer transfer window approaches, these developments underscore the intense rivalry and strategic manoeuvring between Premier League giants, with player movements poised to shape the upcoming season's narrative.