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Manchester City Eye Alexis Mac Allister as Rodri Replacement Amid Midfield Transfers

Manchester City are considering signing Alexis Mac Allister as they prepare for the likely departure of midfielder Rodri, according to talkSPORT sources. Rodri is close to joining Barcelona in a deal worth around £55 million, leaving City eager to find his successor.

Midfield Reinforcements in Progress

City have already made significant moves this summer, securing Elliot Anderson for £116 million and negotiating with Lille for Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, with personal terms reportedly agreed. Despite these additions, the club might pursue further midfield options if Rodri's exit is finalized.

Surprise Candidate: Mac Allister

talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs revealed that Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister is among the players Manchester City are considering. The Argentina international joined Liverpool from Brighton in 2023 and was a key figure during their 2025 Premier League title-winning campaign. However, last season saw him struggle for consistency as Liverpool finished fifth under Arne Slot.

Mac Allister is entering the last two years of his contract at Anfield, and while no contact has been made with Liverpool yet, he might present a more affordable option compared to other targets like Adam Wharton and Enzo Fernandez, who both have connections to 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. So that’s just more part of a shortlisting process than anything to get excited about," Jacobs explained. "Some people have mentioned Adam Wharton to me as well. Possibly in a perfect world, 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. And at the moment, City’s focus is on trying to get Bouaddi over the line."

Mac Allister's Track Record

Despite recent difficulties, Mac Allister has shown his quality in important competitions. He played a vital role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory and scored five goals from midfield during Liverpool's 2024/25 title season, earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.

His initial transfer to Liverpool cost £55 million, and any current asking price is expected to be lower than the fees City would face for other targets like Fernandez or Wharton.

Enzo Fernandez's Situation

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez remains a high-profile target this summer. The 25-year-old hinted at a move to Real Madrid late last season, but the Spanish club publicly denied interest. Fernandez might consider joining Manchester City to reunite with former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge earlier this year amid tensions.

The asking price for Fernandez is around £120 million, which could deter City, especially with their large investments already in progress. Bouaddi’s transfer is believed to be close to £100 million, adding financial pressure.

"Chelsea’s asking price was £120 million, maybe higher considering deals like Elliot Anderson at £116 million," Jacobs said. "Chelsea may argue Fernandez should be worth more. He’s a World Cup winner and served as vice-captain and captain for Chelsea. They intend to keep him if the right offer doesn’t come in. But if the valuation is met, an exit is possible."

Jacobs also noted that despite Real Madrid's public refusal, a future move cannot be completely ruled out. For now, Manchester City seem cautious about splashing out another huge sum on midfielders and may lean toward more budget-friendly options like Mac Allister.

  • Player: Alexis Mac Allister
  • Current Club: Liverpool
  • Transfer Fee to Liverpool (2023): £55 million
  • Contract Length Remaining: 2 years
  • Role: Midfielder
  • Player: Rodri
  • Current Club: Manchester City
  • Potential Transfer: Barcelona
  • Expected Fee: £55 million
  • Player: Elliot Anderson
  • Transfer Fee: £116 million
  • Player: Ayyoub Bouaddi
  • From: Lille
  • Personal Terms: Agreed
  • Estimated Fee: ~£100 million
  • Player: Enzo Fernandez
  • Current Club: Chelsea
  • Asking Price: £120 million
  • Age: 25

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