Manchester City have opened talks with Alexis Mac Allister’s representatives over a stunning summer move for the Liverpool midfielder, according to journalist Matt Thielen.
Transfer Bombshell: Man City Target Liverpool’s Mac Allister in Midfield
The Premier League champions face an anxious battle to keep hold of Rodri this summer, with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner keen to return to Spain amid strong interest from Barcelona.
Barcelona have already seen an opening offer of £38.5m rejected by City, who value the 30-year-old at closer to £68.5m.
Rodri enters the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium with no signs of an extension, and he has reportedly expressed a preference for a move to the Camp Nou over Real Madrid.
City have moved quickly to compile a shortlist of potential replacements, and Mac Allister has emerged as a primary target.
The 27-year-old Argentina international has been a mainstay for Liverpool since arriving from Brighton in 2023, making 150 appearances and scoring 19 goals across three seasons at Anfield. He has won the Premier League and EFL Cup with the Reds.
Manchester City have already broken their club record this summer to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m, while also bringing in teenager Jeremy Monga and young goalkeeper Pierce Charles for new manager Enzo Maresca.
But the potential departure of Rodri would force City back into the market for a midfield replacement of the highest calibre.
Mac Allister has earned widespread acclaim for his performances, with Manchester United legend Paul Scholes naming him the fourth-best midfielder in world football last year, behind only Vitinha, Rodri and Pedri.
Scholes praised the Argentine’s display against his former club at Old Trafford, describing him as “brilliant” and noting how he “controlled everything”.
It remains unclear whether Mac Allister would be open to a move to City’s title rivals, or if Liverpool would entertain selling one of their key midfield assets.
For now, City’s contact with his camp appears to be an exploratory step rather than a formal bid.
