Manchester City assessing Alexis Mac Allister as Rodri exit looms
Manchester City are considering Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister among their options as they prepare for the possibility of losing Rodri to Barcelona before the transfer window closes.
City’s midfield is already in transition after the departures of Bernardo Silva and John Stones. The potential return of Rodri to Spain would strip them of the most influential player in their system and force a significant rebuild.
Barcelona are pushing hard for the 30-year-old Spain international. According to The Times, they are preparing an improved €60m (£51.3m) offer plus bonuses after City rejected their opening bid. Rodri has just one year left on his contract and has shown no interest in extending it.
Mac Allister on the shortlist – but no contact yet
Ben Jacobs told talkSPORT that Mac Allister has been discussed internally at the Etihad as part of City’s midfield shortlist. Crucially, there has been no approach to Liverpool and the idea remains at the exploratory stage.
“I know internally Alexis Mac Allister 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,” Jacobs said.
City are looking at several alternatives rather than zeroing in on one target. They have already signed Elliot Anderson and are in advanced talks for Lille’s highly rated youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández has also been considered, though his £120m valuation makes a deal extremely difficult.
Why Mac Allister appeals – and why it is complicated
From a tactical standpoint, the Argentina international is an obvious fit. He is technically secure, composed under pressure, and versatile enough to operate as a deeper midfielder or higher up the pitch. At 27, he also brings far more Premier League experience than Bouaddi.
The obstacle is Liverpool. Selling one of their key midfielders to a direct title rival would be a major concession, and any serious conversation would require a substantial offer. Mac Allister still has two years remaining on his contract, so the Anfield club are under no pressure to sell.
City would be sensible to explore the option if Rodri departs, but at this stage Mac Allister remains an ambitious name on a longer shortlist rather than an advanced target.
