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Published Jul 21, 2026, 9:10 AM GMT+1
Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast.
Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.
In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister is reported to be eyeing an exit from Anfield, and his camp have apparently reached out to Real Madrid.
Few players have justified Liverpool's faith quite like Mac Allister.
Since arriving from Brighton in the summer of 2023, the Argentine has become one of the first names on the teamsheet. Whether playing as a deep-lying playmaker or in a more advanced midfield role, his intelligence, passing range and composure have made him the heartbeat of Liverpool's midfield.
By the end of last season, he had already reached 150 appearances for the club, winning both the Carabao Cup and Premier League while contributing 19 goals along the way.
The 25/26 campaign was more difficult for both player and club, but Mac Allister still produced moments of real quality.
He finished the season with 55 appearances in all competitions, five goals and seven assists despite Liverpool struggling to reach the standards they had previously set.
His work rate never disappeared, even when results did, remaining one of the squad's most technically gifted midfielders.
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Rodríguez reports for Defensa Central, a Real Madrid-focused outlet that frequently covers transfer rumours involving the Spanish giants. While the publication regularly produces exclusive claims, it is not considered among Spain's most consistently reliable transfer sources. This report should therefore be viewed as speculation until supported by journalists with stronger Liverpool or Madrid track records. |
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The reported valuation reflects Mac Allister's importance, contract status and the premium attached to elite midfielders. Liverpool would make a substantial profit on the fee paid to Brighton, but replacing a player of his quality could easily consume much of that income in today's transfer market. |
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Mac Allister's greatest strength is his football intelligence. He reads danger quickly, dictates tempo and rarely wastes possession. Comfortable in several midfield roles, the Argentina international combines technical quality with relentless work ethic, making him equally valuable when defending deep or helping to unlock stubborn opponents. |
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Losing Mac Allister would remove one of Liverpool's most experienced and tactically intelligent midfielders during an important transitional period. His influence extends beyond stats, and keeping him would give Iraola a proven foundation to build around as he reshapes Liverpool into a team capable of challenging again. |
That is exactly why Andoni Iraola will want to keep him, and selling him would leave a huge hole.
Replacing technical quality is difficult enough, but replacing leadership, experience and a World Cup winner's mentality is even harder.
According to journalist Alexis Rodríguez, relayed by Joseph Agbobli, Mac Allister now believes his Liverpool chapter has come to an end.
Rodriguez reports the midfielder's representatives have offered him to Real Madrid, with Liverpool prepared to consider his departure if a bid worth around £85 million arrives.
It is certainly a headline-grabbing claim.
Real have admired Mac Allister for some time as they continue planning the next evolution of their midfield, while Liverpool's valuation reflects both his importance and the inflated market for elite central midfielders.
However, there are reasons to remain cautious.
Neither Liverpool nor Real have publicly indicated negotiations are underway, while previous comments from Mac Allister's family have played down speculation linking him with a move to Spain.
From Liverpool's perspective, selling him now would feel like the wrong decision.
Iraola has inherited enough challenges without losing one of his smartest footballers. Unless the player is genuinely determined to leave, keeping Mac Allister should be a priority.
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