Right after officially being appointed as the head coach of Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso began planning to build a squad that reflects his own tactical philosophy.
According to sources from inside the Bernabéu, the Spanish tactician has urged Real Madrid’s board to urgently pursue the signing of Alexis Mac Allister — the Liverpool midfielder who was one of the most influential players in the Premier League last season.
“Real needs someone to control the game — and that someone is Alexis.”
In a closed-door meeting with Sporting Director Juni Calafat and President Florentino Pérez, Alonso openly pointed out what he believes is the most critical weakness in the current squad: the lack of a true playmaker in midfield, especially after the decline (or possible departure) of veterans Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos.
Although Real Madrid boasts a wealth of young midfield talents such as Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga, Alonso believes the team still lacks a tactical brain — a player who can dictate tempo, orchestrate play, and maintain the balance between defense and attack. In his view, Alexis Mac Allister is the ideal candidate for that role.
Sources in Spain say Alonso has been closely monitoring Mac Allister since his time at Brighton, and even more so during his spell at Liverpool. The 2022 World Cup particularly caught Alonso’s attention, where the Argentine played a pivotal role in helping his country lift the trophy.
Mac Allister: The Key to Rebuilding Real’s Midfield?
Alonso believes Mac Allister possesses not only exceptional technique and tactical intelligence, but also a calmness and maturity rarely seen in players his age. He sees the Argentine as the “brain” of his new system — someone who can help Real transition quickly, distribute the ball with precision, and control the game even against teams with a deep defensive block.
Though Mac Allister only joined Liverpool in the summer of 2023, the uncertain state of the club following Jürgen Klopp’s departure has led Real Madrid to believe this may be the perfect time to strike — offering the player a chance to thrive under the guidance of one of the greatest midfielders of the 21st century: Xabi Alonso himself.
Will Liverpool Let Him Leave?
That answer won’t come easily. Mac Allister remains a key pillar at Anfield, and Liverpool will undoubtedly resist letting him go after just one season. However, his release clause is believed to be in the range of €70–80 million, and Real Madrid is reportedly willing to spend big — if Alonso confirms that the Argentine is the missing piece in his tactical puzzle.
Neither club has made any official comment yet, but respected sports journalists in Spain claim that behind-the-scenes talks are already underway. A Real Madrid delegation is expected to travel to England in the coming weeks to “test the waters.”
Mac Allister could become the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era at the Bernabéu — and possibly the central figure in a new golden generation for Los Blancos.
All eyes are now on Liverpool and Madrid.
Could an Argentine playmaker follow in the footsteps of past Galácticos and become the heart of a new Real dynasty?
Time will tell. But Xabi Alonso has made his choice.
