Andoni Iraola addresses Alexis Mac Allister’s future amid Real Madrid links as Liverpool boss reveals ‘obvious’ transfer priority

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has played down speculation surrounding Alexis Mac Allister’s future, insisting the club wants to keep its best players despite growing interest from Real Madrid. The Spaniard also admitted Liverpool have clear areas that require strengthening before the transfer window closes, with a new winger topping the club’s shopping list.

Iraola dismisses Mac Allister exit fears

Mac Allister continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, despite still having two years remaining on his Liverpool contract.

The Argentina international enjoyed another outstanding campaign, helping his country reach the 2026 World Cup final while remaining one of Liverpool’s standout performers throughout last season.

Although Iraola acknowledged that elite clubs will always monitor top players, he made it clear Liverpool have no desire to lose one of their most influential midfielders.

“I think Alexis has been one of the best players of the club last year and has done a very good World Cup,” Iraola said.

“It is normal that other clubs want our best players, our good players, it always happens in other markets. But I want to, also as other clubs want, I want to keep my good players. Probably I’m looking forward more to signing new players than the ones we have here.”

Liverpool identify winger as transfer priority

While protecting key players remains Liverpool’s immediate objective, Iraola admitted the squad still requires further additions before the new season begins.

Following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool’s recruitment team has been working to reshape the squad, with attacking reinforcements now viewed as essential.

The Liverpool manager openly admitted that signing a winger has become the club’s most pressing priority.

“I think it is difficult to say a number. When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad.

“There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. Winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have.”

Injury concerns could influence further business

Iraola also revealed that Liverpool’s remaining transfer activity will depend partly on the fitness of several first-team players currently working their way back from injury.

The Spaniard explained that the club has confidence in those sidelined players but admitted their recovery timelines could determine whether Liverpool pursue additional reinforcements before the deadline.

“We have some tricky positions where we have injured players that we trust, but it is still not the ideal situation, so it will depend on a lot of things,” Iraola explained.

Liverpool balancing stability with recruitment

Despite ongoing transfer speculation surrounding Mac Allister, Liverpool’s priority remains keeping the core of the squad intact while strengthening key positions.

With Iraola publicly backing his Argentine midfielder and confirming the club’s search for a new winger, Liverpool appear focused on improving squad depth rather than sanctioning the departure of one of their most important players before the new campaign begins.