Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and manager Jose Mourinho are reportedly targeting Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as their standout transfer priority for the summer of 2027, with the player's contract situation a key factor in their interest.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Perez and Mourinho have identified Mac Allister as a player who fits their midfield blueprint — offering pressing intensity, ball recovery, and the creativity to unlock opposing defences with incisive passing.

Contract uncertainty fuels Madrid's interest

Mac Allister is currently in the final two years of the five-year deal he signed when he joined Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee in the region of £55 million in 2023. Liverpool have yet to open talks over an extension, a situation Real Madrid are monitoring closely.

Fichajes reports that Perez is hoping to use the contract uncertainty to his advantage, potentially approaching Mac Allister as early as January 2027 — though any move before his deal expires in June 2028 would still require a transfer fee to be agreed with Liverpool.

Mourinho, meanwhile, is said to view the 27-year-old as the ideal midfield addition — a player capable of sitting in front of the defence, pressing opposition midfielders, and connecting with attackers through well-timed through balls, all without sacrificing balance or creativity.

A World Cup winner thriving under Iraola

Mac Allister's stock has risen further this season since Andoni Iraola took over at Anfield. The Argentina international, a World Cup winner in 2022, has enjoyed a resurgence under the new head coach after a period in which he was not always considered a perfect tactical fit under both Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp.

The midfielder's journey to Merseyside was a long one. Originally from Argentinos Juniors, he joined Brighton & Hove Albion in 2019 and spent time on loan at both his boyhood club and Boca Juniors before establishing himself as a Premier League force. He added a Premier League title to his World Cup medal during his time at Liverpool.

Real Madrid's appetite for big signings

The background to Real Madrid's interest is familiar. Los Blancos have not lifted La Liga or the UEFA Champions League since the 2023/24 season, and despite closing the gap on leaders Barcelona with a 2-1 El Clásico win on Sunday, Perez has historically responded to trophy droughts with bold moves in the transfer market.

Liverpool can expect to resist significant pressure if Real Madrid formalise their pursuit, but any deal struck before June 2028 will demand a substantial fee — one that Madrid appear willing to pay.