Jose Mourinho has reportedly identified Alexis Mac Allister as the midfielder he wants to build his second Real Madrid era around, and he is said to be personally driving the Spanish club’s interest in the Argentine.
The story originated with Sky Germany on 26 October and was carried in English by Anfield Index, which reports that Real Madrid have placed Mac Allister high on their shortlist as they look to reshape the centre of the pitch, and that Mourinho is “a huge fan of the player.”
According to the reporting, the qualities the Portuguese prizes are the midfielder’s physical output, composure and defensive contribution. Mourinho was appointed Real Madrid head coach in June 2026 on a three-year deal to 2029, and the Mac Allister pursuit is the first marquee transfer plan tied to his return.
A contract ticking towards 2028
Mac Allister, 27, is tied to Liverpool until June 2028, with no concrete plans to extend. That gap is what Real Madrid see as their opening: the longer the renewal stays unsigned, the stronger a buyer’s hand becomes.
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The Argentine has made 162 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Brighton, with 23 goals and 21 assists. He has started this season with four goals and one assist in 12 games.
Madrid’s midfield still lacks a leader
At the Santiago Bernabéu, Mourinho inherited a midfield that rotates Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde but which, according to the Sky Germany reporting, lacks “an established leader.” Mac Allister, equally at home building play and defending in a block, fits that gap on paper.
Real Madrid are also familiar with Liverpool’s willingness to let a star go late. Trent Alexander-Arnold moved to the Bernabéu for a £10m early-release fee in 2025, with weeks left on his Anfield deal.
Iraola stands to lose a core midfielder
For Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool, losing Mac Allister would strip a core piece out of the engine room. The Spaniard was appointed head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season, succeeding Arne Slot, and inherited the Argentine as one of the squad’s most trusted midfielders.
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No formal talks have been reported. Mac Allister’s contract runs until 30 June 2028, meaning any move before then would require Real Madrid to agree a transfer fee with Liverpool.
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