Manchester City Eyes Alexis Mac Allister Amid Rodri Exit Talks

Manchester City is exploring the possibility of signing Alexis Mac Allister as they prepare for the likely departure of their key midfielder, Rodri, who is close to joining Barcelona. Sources indicate that City's interest in Mac Allister comes as they seek to reinforce their midfield following Rodri's anticipated exit.

Rodri’s transfer to Barcelona is reportedly nearing completion, with a £55 million agreement expected soon. Losing such an influential player is a setback for City, but it has become a primary focus in their transfer plans this summer.

Current Transfer Moves and Potential Targets

• Elliot Anderson was signed earlier in the window for £116 million.
• City is also in advanced negotiations with Lille to sign Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with personal terms already agreed.
• Additional midfield reinforcements are being considered depending on Rodri’s final decision.

Mac Allister Among Surprise Options

TalkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs revealed that Mac Allister, currently at Liverpool, is on City’s shortlist. The Argentine international joined Liverpool from Brighton in 2023 and played a vital role in their Premier League title win in 2025. Despite a less consistent 2025/26 season where Liverpool finished fifth, Mac Allister remains a notable figure, now with two years left on his Anfield contract.

Jacobs mentioned that while there has been no direct contact with Liverpool yet, Mac Allister is part of a broader shortlisting process at City. He added that Mac Allister might be a more affordable option compared to other targets like Adam Wharton and Enzo Fernandez, both linked due to their previous connection with City’s new boss, Enzo Maresca.

"I know internally Alexis Mac Allister has been mentioned, but there’s been no contact yet or developments with Liverpool. It’s more part of a shortlisting process than anything to get excited about," Jacobs said."Some people have mentioned Adam Wharton to me as well. Possibly, 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. At the moment, City’s focus is on trying to get Bouaddi over the line."

Mac Allister’s Recent Form and Value

Despite challenges last season, Mac Allister has shown his quality. He was instrumental in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory and contributed five goals from midfield during Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League triumph, earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year. Purchased for around £55 million in 2023, his valuation is expected to be lower than some other midfield targets on City’s radar.

Enzo Fernandez: A High-Priced Alternative

Enzo Fernandez has attracted significant attention this summer amid speculation about his future at Chelsea. The 25-year-old hinted at a move to Real Madrid last season, but the Spanish club publicly stated they are not interested. Fernandez’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain, and a reunion with Maresca at Manchester City could appeal to him.

Maresca departed Chelsea early this year following disagreements, which Fernandez appeared to criticize publicly. Yet, Fernandez's price tag of £120 million is a considerable barrier. With Bouaddi and Anderson's transfers also costing near £100 million plus, City might hesitate to spend that much on another midfielder.

"Chelsea’s asking price was £120 million. Considering recent deals like Elliot Anderson’s £116 million, Chelsea may argue Fernandez should be valued even higher. He’s a World Cup winner and served as vice-captain and captain at times," Jacobs explained."Chelsea is calm about the situation and intends to try securing Fernandez with a new contract if the window closes without a sale. Still, if the asking price is met, an exit is possible. While Fernandez flirted with a move to Real Madrid, the public statement suggests Real won’t pursue him. You never say never, but they were put off by the price."

Jacobs concluded that City values Fernandez but faces budget constraints with multiple expensive midfield targets.