In a dramatic turn of events, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly sent a clear message to Xabi Alonso regarding potential transfers involving Liverpool's midfield dynamo, Alexis Mac Allister. The Merseyside club is currently enjoying a stellar season, having secured their 20th English top-flight title under the guidance of head coach Arne Slot in what has been a remarkable debut campaign.
However, with the Reds basking in their success, the spotlight has turned to their star players, particularly as Trent Alexander-Arnold has already confirmed his departure from Anfield. On Monday morning, May 5, 2025, the Liverpool defender announced he would be leaving the club on a free transfer this summer, stirring up emotions among the fanbase.
Real Madrid, keen to bolster their squad, is reportedly preparing to make a significant offer for Mac Allister in the upcoming summer transfer window. The buzz around the potential move has intensified, especially after Alonso, who is expected to take over as head coach from Carlo Ancelotti, identified Mac Allister and Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz as midfielders who could enhance the quality of the Madrid squad.
In a recent statement, Mac Allister addressed the speculation surrounding his future, saying, "I have a lot of respect for the club and I don’t think it’s necessary to talk about other institutions. I read the rumours and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present. As much as the club loves me, if I play badly this weekend, they will lose interest." His comments reflect a grounded approach amidst swirling transfer rumors.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Perez has communicated to Alonso that both Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen are demanding a hefty sum of 100 million euros for each player. This financial expectation poses a challenge for Real Madrid, as they are keen to secure these talents but recognize the difficulty of negotiating with clubs that have players under long-term contracts.
"Xabi fully understands the situation, as it’s not easy to sign these types of players if they have several years left on their contracts," the report noted. Alonso is said to trust in Real Madrid's ability to compete for trophies next season and hopes for reinforcements to strengthen various positions within the team.
Meanwhile, the departure of Alexander-Arnold has left many Liverpool fans feeling a sense of loss. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher weighed in on the situation, stating, "Fans are obviously going to be upset after Alexander-Arnold announced he was leaving his boyhood club. It is just how it is. Because supporters will differentiate between those perceived to be putting the club first in the ongoing fight to take on the superpower of Real Madrid, and those who were accused of thinking about their own career."
In his commentary for the Daily Telegraph, Carragher elaborated on the emotional connection fans have with homegrown talent, saying, "Players are loved even more when they genuinely mean it when they say they do not want to play for anyone else. If that image of the home-grown talent living the dream is an illusion, people feel let down." He contrasted the loyalty of players like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who spent their entire careers at Manchester United, with the perception of players like David Beckham, who pursued broader career ambitions.
As the transfer window approaches, the fate of both Mac Allister and Alexander-Arnold remains uncertain. Liverpool’s management will have to navigate these high-profile departures carefully, ensuring they can maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League and beyond.
Real Madrid's interest in both players highlights the ongoing trend of elite clubs seeking to strengthen their squads with top-tier talent from across Europe. The potential acquisition of Mac Allister could prove vital for Madrid as they aim to reclaim their status at the pinnacle of European football.
As fans of Liverpool and Real Madrid alike await further developments, the upcoming summer transfer window promises to be filled with excitement and uncertainty. Will Mac Allister join the ranks of the illustrious Madrid squad? And how will Liverpool respond to the loss of their beloved stars? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the football world will be watching closely.