​Liverpool are being tipped to overhaul their midfield this summer after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that ultimately cost Arne Slot his job. The Reds, who finished fifth in the Premier League, looked off the pace as players such as Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister struggled to hit their best form. The disappointing results have put several first-team stars’ futures in doubt, including Mac Allister, who is currently away with Argentina at the FIFA World Cup. When he returns to Merseyside, the idea of a transfer could become a live topic.
Mac Allister, 27, has a contract that runs until 2028, but there are no clear signs of a new deal on the horizon. That has led to speculation that he could be sacrificed to raise funds for new signings. One potential destination being discussed is Real Madrid. Reports from Fichajes claim that Jose Mourinho has formally requested the signing of Alexis Mac Allister, spurred by the Argentine’s strong desire to leave Liverpool during this transfer window. The deal would be attractive to Madrid as they look to refresh their midfield, and Mac Allister has long been on their radar, even though a change of management previously complicated Liverpool’s selling position.
If Mourinho’s interest is genuine, Liverpool may find themselves entertaining bids in the coming weeks. Yet a twist could complicate matters further: Eduardo Camavinga could be sold by Real Madrid to fund a refreshed midfield, with reports suggesting that Madrid would be open to offers for the French midfielder. Camavinga, 23, had a challenging season and is seen by Madrid as surplus to requirements; his contract runs to 2029. The player has been linked with several top clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United, and a potential swap would be a fascinating development for both sides.
A possible scenario would see Liverpool strike a swap deal of sorts. They could pursue Camavinga from Real Madrid, a versatile midfielder who can operate as a holding six, an eight, or even fill in at left-back. In return, Madrid could receive a substantial cash component to help fund a fresh midfield addition. In this arrangement, Liverpool would then move Mac Allister to Real Madrid, completing a circle that would satisfy both clubs’ immediate ambitions. The combined deal values are estimated in the vicinity of €70 million (£60 million) for each side, presenting an avenue for a significant midfield upgrade while potentially minimizing outlay.
If such a high-profile exchange were to materialize, it would offer Liverpool a rare chance to reshape midfield dynamics without bearing the full cost of a marquee signing. The possibility of swapping Mac Allister for a player of Camavinga’s caliber — with Camavinga able to fill multiple roles across the middle and even contribute defensively from the left side — would be a bold move that could alter the club’s balance and strategy for the foreseeable future. While the spectacle of a swap deal between two European heavyweights would attract attention, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid would be prepared to part with Camavinga and whether Liverpool would be willing to part with Mac Allister at this stage of the window. Either way, the coming weeks are likely to reveal whether Liverpool will embark on a major midfield makeover or pursue more conventional transfer avenues to address last season’s shortfalls.