The visit of Real Madrid to Anfield on Wednesday night comes amid a whirlwind of stories for both clubs.
Liverpool have gone eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, but what should be a moment of celebration has immediately been marred by Mo Salah telling reporters he hasn’t received a new contract offer from the club yet.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are trying to work their way out of some shocking form that recently saw them get demolished 4-0 in El Clasico and lose multiple matches in the Champions League. And whilst it seemed that new star man Kylian Mbappe was back to his best at the weekend, they have now been rocked by losing star winger Vinicius Junior for the next few weeks.
And, as two of the biggest clubs in the entire world, there is significant overlap between the two sides in recent history.
Real have had the best of the Reds in previous meetings – including the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals, and a 6-2 aggregate victory when the sides last met in the 2023/24 Champions League Round of 16.
Importantly, Madrid also beat Liverpool to the signings of both Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, whose services Liverpool were naturally interested in.
Madrid themselves were reportedly interested in Alexis Mac Allister in the summer, but clearly an approach and a transfer did not materialise, despite reports the player was “flattered” by the links. With Liverpool being in a high-performing transition period it’s probably worth asking – would it be worth selling Mac Allister to Real Madrid?
Pros of keeping Mac Allister at Liverpool
It makes Real Madrid more likely to sell Tchouameni to Liverpool
Liverpool’s recent links to Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni have started to heat up, with the midfielder reportedly viewed as a good fit for Arne Slot’s system. Whilst he plays further back than Mac Allister, his 8.4 progressive passes and near 1 progressive carry per-90 indicate that he would be able to operate in the space Mac Allister currently occupies.
Opens room for Zubimendi in the side
New reports are indicating that Liverpool will want to go back in for Martin Zubimendi in January and that the midfielder will be open to the approach this time. One of the main issues now however is that Ryan Gravenberch can’t be dropped from defensive midfield. Along with Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and a returning Harvey Elliott, Liverpool’s midfield has depth. However, shipping Mac Allister would leave a place perfect for Zubimendi to fill.
Provides funds that can be used on big three contracts
It’s no secret that the biggest issue facing Liverpool at the moment is the status of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk’s future at the club. All three are out of contract at the end of the season and fans want those deals sorted sooner rather than later. Whilst finances shouldn’t be the sticking point, a big sale of Mac Allister wouldn’t harm the club’s ability to pay these players what they want.
Cons of selling Mac Allister to Real Madrid
Mac Allister makes this system tick
It’s been little reported on, but all you need to do is watch yesterday’s lacklustre first half against Southampton to see that Alexis Mac Allister is currently vital to the good performances of this Liverpool side. His ability to progress the ball and commit a high number of tackles ensures that the team can keep attacking in the manner they intend. Arne Slot would need to figure out who could take his place at the same level which has not been evidenced yet.
