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Manchester City have reportedly turned their attention to Alexis Mac Allister after failing to reach an agreement with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, City have now explored a move for the Liverpool midfielder, with initial contacts already made. And if that is genuinely the case, Liverpool need to make one thing absolutely clear: Alexis Mac Allister is not for sale. City looking at Mac Allister Manchester City have been looking for midfield reinforcements and Enzo Fernandez had reportedly emerged as one of their preferred options. But with no agreement reached with Chelsea, Enzo Maresca’s side are now apparently looking elsewhere. And Mac Allister has caught their attention. It’s hardly surprising. The Argentine is an outstanding midfielder who can play in a deeper role, dictate possession and contribute further forward. He’s exactly the type of player you would expect Manchester City to admire. But Liverpool shouldn’t even entertain the idea of letting him leave. Why would Liverpool sell him? This is the part I don’t understand. Liverpool have already lost Curtis Jones this summer. They have spent a huge amount of money rebuilding the attacking areas of the squad. And there have been constant questions about whether the midfield has enough defensive balance. So why would they suddenly consider losing one of their best all-round midfielders? Mac Allister is arguably one of the most technically gifted players in the squad. He can play as a No.6. He can play as an No.8. He can control the tempo. He can press. He can tackle. And he has the experience to perform on the biggest stage. Iraola needs Mac Allister The arrival of Andoni Iraola makes keeping Mac Allister even more important. Iraola wants his team to play with intensity and energy, but he also needs players capable of understanding different phases of the game. Mac Allister gives him that flexibility. If Liverpool need to control a game, he can help them do it. If they need to progress the ball from deep, he can do it. If they need someone to win possession back, he’s capable of that too. He’s not a player Liverpool should be looking to replace. He’s a player they should be building around. Imagine selling him to City There would be another problem. Liverpool wouldn’t just be losing Mac Allister. They would potentially be strengthening one of their biggest domestic rivals. Manchester City have dominated English football for years. Giving Maresca another world-class midfielder would be a ridiculous decision from Liverpool’s perspective. And if Mac Allister went to City and became a key player, Liverpool could end up regretting the decision for years. Liverpool don’t need the money Liverpool have already shown this summer that they are willing to spend. Alexander Isak arrived for £125m. Florian Wirtz has also cost a huge amount. Bradley Barcola has been brought in for another significant fee. So this isn’t a situation where Liverpool need to sell Mac Allister to fund their transfer business. If City come calling, Liverpool can simply say: No. Mac Allister has unfinished business There is also the footballing side. Mac Allister still has plenty to achieve at Liverpool. He has already won the Premier League and with the club, but this is a new era. Iraola is trying to build something different. Liverpool have invested heavily in the squad. Mac Allister should be part of that project. And after the departure of Jones, losing another established midfielder would make absolutely no sense. 🚨 Liverpool must be ruthless If the initial contacts are genuine, Liverpool need to shut this down quickly. Don’t negotiate. Don’t allow a bidding war. Don’t listen to offers. Just make it clear that Mac Allister is unavailable. There are some players you can sell if the price is right. Mac Allister isn’t one of them. My verdict Manchester City can explore all they want. They can make enquiries. They can ask Liverpool what it would take. But the answer should be simple. Nothing. Mac Allister is too important to Liverpool’s midfield, too versatile for Iraola to lose and too good to hand to Manchester City. Liverpool have spent the summer trying to build a squad capable of competing for everything. Selling Alexis Mac Allister now would take them backwards. City can have Enzo Fernandez. They can have someone else. But Alexis Mac Allister should be staying at Anfield. Jamie (The Kopite View)