Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move that would shatter one of the longest-standing taboos in English football: a direct transfer raid on Liverpool for World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
As Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS leadership draw up their summer 2026 shortlist to revamp the United midfield, Mac Allister has emerged as a high-profile target. Despite the bitter rivalry between the two clubs, United are keeping “close tabs” on the Argentine’s situation at Anfield following a challenging individual campaign for the 27-year-old.
Breaking a 62-Year Taboo
A direct move between the two North West giants is almost unheard of in the modern era. While players like Michael Owen and Paul Ince have represented both clubs, no player has moved directly from one to the other since Phil Chisnall’s transfer in 1964.
Securing Mac Allister would not only be a tactical masterstroke but a massive statement of intent from the new United hierarchy. However, the obstacles remain significant:
- Contractual Strength: Mac Allister is tied to Liverpool until 2028.
- The “Spain” Factor: The midfielder has previously expressed a desire to play in La Liga.
- Champions League Requirement: United bosses know that without top-tier European football next season, luring a player of Mac Allister’s caliber is virtually impossible.
Why Mac Allister?
Despite his dip in form this term, Mac Allister’s pedigree is undeniable. A Premier League winner with Liverpool in 2025 and a World Cup hero with Argentina in 2022, he offers the elite technical quality and big-match experience that United’s current “engine room” lacks.
While the club continues to monitor younger talents like Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Elliot Anderson, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly keen to “keep all options open.” If Liverpool show any willingness to negotiate for the £55m man, United are prepared to be at the front of the queue.
The Verdict: A Realistic Target?
Luring a star from Anfield to Old Trafford remains the toughest deal in world football. However, in the “new era” of Manchester United, the board seems determined to ignore historical barriers in the hunt for world-class talent. Whether Mac Allister would be willing to risk his Liverpool legacy for a move to their greatest rivals remains the multi-million pound question.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
