Premier League rival of Liverpool consider shock move for Alexis Mac Allister

Manchester City have shortlisted Alexis Mac Allister as they look at potential Rodri replacements, talkSPORT understands.

The Citizens are preparing to lose influential midfielder Rodri imminently, who is closing in on a move to Barcelona.

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talkSPORT understands a deal to take Spain’s World Cup-winning captain to the Camp Nou is now advanced, with an agreement over a £55million package expected to be reached in the coming days.

While losing Rodri would represent a huge blow to City, replacing him has been a focal point of their summer transfer strategy.

Elliot Anderson was signed for £116m at the start of the window, while they are now in advanced talks with Lille over Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with personal terms agreed.

However, City could look to strengthen further in midfield should Rodri’s departure go through, with several options being considered.

Surprise switch?

talkSPORT’s Ben Jacob has revealed Liverpool star Mac Allister is among the potential options being explored by City.

The Argentina international has been a mainstay in the Reds’ midfield since his arrival from Brighton in 2023, and has now entered into the final two years of his Anfield contract.

Despite starring for Liverpool in their Premier League title win in 2025, he experienced a dip in form last term as Arne Slot’s side finished a disappointing fifth, and faced calls to be dropped.

However, Jacobs revealed Mac Allister could be more affordable option for City this summer in comparison to other potential targets Adam Wharton and Enzo Fernandez, who previously worked with new boss Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.

Jacobs told talkSPORT’s Transfer Insiders: “I know internally Alexis McAllister has been mentioned, but there’s been no contact yet, or developments with Liverpool.

“So that’s just more part of a shortlisting process than anything to get excited about. 

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“Some people have mentioned Adam Wharton to me as well.

“So possibly in a perfect world, if Enzo Maresca had his say, he might choose to move for Enzo Fernandez. We can’t entirely discount it, but the price is a massive stumbling block.

“And at the moment, City’s focus is on trying to get Bouaddi over the line.”

Despite a challenging campaign last term, Mac Allister has proven his value in title-winning sides in recent years.

He played a crucial role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win, before scoring five goals from midfield as Liverpool won the 2024/25 Premier League title, and was named in the PFA Team of the Year for his performances.

Mac Allister joined Liverpool for a £55m package deal in 2023, and while any asking price is currently unclear, it is likely to be far less than City’s other potential targets in Fernandez or Wharton.

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Enz game?

Chelsea star Fernandez has been one of the most talked about players this summer, having previously fuelled rumours of his exit.

The 25-year-old heavily hinted at a move to Real Madrid towards the end of last season, only for the Spanish giants to shut this down in a statement saying they have ‘no intention’ of signing him.

However, his future in west London remains unclear, and a move to Man City could be appealing for the Argentine, which would offer him a reunion with former Blues boss Maresca at the Etihad.

Maresca left left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day after a breakdown in relations at the club, a decision which Fernandez later appeared to criticise the Chelsea board over.

But with Fernandez boasting a huge £120m price tag, Jacobs revealed City could stop short of another nine-digit transfer, with Bouaddi’s arrival from Lille also likely to cost in the region of £100m.

He explained: “Chelsea’s asking price was £120m. Now, maybe that’s higher if you consider the fact that other deals, like Elliot Anderson – £116m.

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“And Chelsea may argue that Enzo Fernandez should be more. He’s a World Cup winner after all, and he was the vice-captain and captain at times of Chelsea. 

“So Chelsea are calm about the situation, and they have every intent, if the window shuts, to try and get Enzo Fernandez on one extreme to sign the new deal.

“And yet, if their valuation is met, an exit is possible. 

“We know that Enzo Fernandez has flirted with a move to Real Madrid. But if we take the public statement at face value, even with Rodri heading to Barcelona, the expectation is that Real won’t move. You can never say never with Real, but they were put off by that asking price, according to my information.”

“So yes, City – specifically Enzo Maresca – do appreciate Enzo Fernandez. Are they going to find that budget questionable?

“If Bouaddi is nearly £100m, Elliot Anderson £116m, and then Enzo Fernandez at least £120m, that’s a huge outlay in the centre of the park. There might be some more economical options.”