Xabi Alonso urges Real Madrid to pursue Liverpool and Chelsea stars following Champions League loss at Anfield

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has reportedly handed the club a shortlist of four midfielders he wants to sign — with top targets said to include stars from Liverpool and Chelsea.

After Real’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League — where Alexis Mac Allister scored the decisive goal — Alonso is now eager to bring the Argentine playmaker to the Bernabeu to strengthen a key area of his team.

According to Fichajes, Madrid had previously pursued Martin Zubimendi before his move to Arsenal, but Alonso’s focus has now shifted to Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Adam Wharton, and Vitinha.

Mac Allister has been instrumental for Liverpool, meaning it would be a major challenge for Madrid to convince the Reds to sell. Still, his control and composure in midfield make him a perfect fit for Alonso’s system.

Liverpool fans will hope he stays put, especially after already losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid over the summer.

Alongside Mac Allister, Fernandez, Wharton, and Vitinha are also seen as strong candidates. Data from DataMB suggests Vitinha stands out creatively and as a passer, though his importance to PSG could make a deal difficult. Wharton, meanwhile, might be the most attainable option given his situation at Crystal Palace.

Statistically, however, Mac Allister offers the best defensive balance, making him arguably the most complete option for Alonso’s evolving midfield.