Manchester City reportedly eye Alexis Mac Allister as Rodri replacement
Manchester City have reportedly identified Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as a potential target this summer if Rodri decides to leave the club, according to journalist Matt Thielen.
Mac Allister has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders since joining Liverpool in 2023. The Argentina international has already helped the Reds win both the Premier League and EFL Cup, and at 27, he is entering what could be the prime years of his career.
Now, his performances have reportedly attracted interest from Manchester City, with Thielen claiming that the Premier League champions have already made contact with the midfielder’s representatives.
City are said to view Mac Allister as a possible replacement for Rodri, whose current contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until the summer of 2027. With no clear indication that the Spanish midfielder will extend his deal, Pep Guardiola’s side are reportedly preparing for the possibility of his departure.
Thielen, co-owner and editor-in-chief of LFC Transfer Room, revealed that Mac Allister has been placed on City’s shortlist of potential midfield reinforcements.
The journalist wrote on X on August 6: “EXCL: Manchester City have made contact with Alexis Mac Allister’s camp to explore a potential move for the Liverpool midfielder.
“Mac Allister is on City’s shortlist of potential reinforcements should Rodri leave the club.”
Rodri reportedly prefers Barcelona over Real Madrid
Rodri’s future could become even more intriguing, with Barcelona reportedly emerging as his preferred destination should he leave Manchester City.
Real Madrid had been pursuing the Spain international for some time, but TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey claims the Spanish giants have now decided to abandon their interest after learning that Rodri would favour a move to Barcelona.
Bailey explained that Madrid were surprised by the development, having spent considerable time planning how Rodri would fit into their squad both on and off the pitch.
The midfielder had reportedly been one of Real Madrid’s key targets even before Jose Mourinho’s appointment, with the Portuguese manager also fully supporting the proposed move.
However, Madrid’s hierarchy have now agreed to step away from the deal. Their position is reportedly straightforward: they only want players who are completely committed to joining the club.
As a result, Real Madrid are prepared to let Rodri pursue other options, while his camp is understood to accept the decision.
The situation could leave Manchester City without the advantage of having two major Spanish clubs competing for Rodri, while Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister could become a potential target if the midfielder eventually departs the Etihad.
