Liverpool are preparing for a new era. After two seasons, Arne Slot has been sacked by FSG, the the disparity between the Dutch coach's two terms in charge could not be starker.
Celebrated as one of the world's top coaches after bursting onto the Premier League scene and winning the title less than a year after Jurgen Klopp bowed out, circumstances conspired against Slot this season, and Liverpool's many many issues proved unsolvable.
Liverpool's Recent Premier League Finishes
Season
25/26
24/25
23/24
22/23
21/22
20/21
19/20
Slot needed to go, and Andoni Iraola has been anointed as his successor. More change is needed, and much of the noise at the moment is centred on the likes of Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola, forwards who could reshape Liverpool's attacking structure.
But the centre of the park might need just as much attention, if not more.
Liverpool have advantage in race for Premier League midfielder
Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the key cogs within Liverpool's system over the past few years, but something has gone horribly wrong over the past year. This is a shell of the title-winning midfielder of recent years, who has lost his vim and vigour, his sharpness and his intensity.
He may well be moving on this summer. After all, Liverpool's midfield formed the centre of their struggle this season, with Dominik Szoboszlai the only real standout.
The problem, of course, is that it's not just Mac Allister who might be moving on, but Curtis Jones too. The Scouser has been frustrated by a lack of playing time for his boyhood club, and while Iraola has now replaced
According to Sports Boom, Liverpool are emerging as favourites in the jam-packed race for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, largely because they have hired Iraola.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in action with AFC Bournemouth's Alex Scott
Scott, 22, is one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe, valued as much as £60m. Manchester United are also thick in the race for the future England superstar, but if Mac Allister were to be sold, he could be the perfect replacement.
Why Scott would be a Mac Allister upgrade for Liverpool
Scott has long been regarded as a promising midfielder, and while he won't be part of the Three Lions' World Cup, he has travelled across the pond to form part of Thomas Tuchel's pre-tournament training camp.
Alexis Mac Allister and Adam Wharton
He shone as a teenager during Bristol City's FA Cup loss against Manchester City three years ago, and he has only gone from strength to strength since then, even declared by presenter Mark Goldbridge to play "like prime Roy Keane".
Perhaps a little over the top, but the fact remains that he is one of the brightest talents in the country, and given that he knows Iraola's system like the back of his hand, he could be the perfect Mac Allister replacement at Anfield.
After all, he has certainly outshone the Argentina star in the Premier League this season.
Premier League Stats (25/26)
Stats (* per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals + Assists
Touches*
Accurate passes*
Big chances created
Key passes*
Possession lost*
Succ. dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Clearances*
Duels won*
x
x
Described as a "special talent" by Cherries teammate Lewis Cook, Scott has the whole gamut, and he could provide Liverpool with the natural continuation needed if Mac Allister does leave.
Scott is young, and signing him this season would represent something of a risk. However, he would stand a pretty good chance of dovetailing into Iraola's Liverpool system, with the all-action quality to effectively replace Mac Allister.
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