Dominik Szoboszlai made a point to clear up his comments on Alexis Mac Allister after previously sending social media into a stir when discussing the midfielder’s return.
Mac Allister has yet to return for pre-season after playing in the World Cup final, with Liverpool’s No. 10 granted at least three weeks off after a long club and international season.
With contract talks not underway to extend his deal beyond 2028 and a season that saw him struggle, he was linked with an exit this summer.
Szoboszlai, unknowingly, fuelled the speculation when speaking at a press conference last week when discussing Liverpool’s senior group, saying “if” rather than “when” Mac Allister was to return.
It created a stir among some supporters, largely on social media, who interpreted it as a potential hint at the No. 10’s future.
Szoboszlai was clearly made aware of it, as he made sure to clarify after the defeat to Leeds, saying to LFCTV: “And right now when we go back to Liverpool, Macca is coming back, just to make sure.”
There was a disbelieving smile and shrug from Szoboszlai, who will be more than aware how quickly comments can be taken too literally or twisted to fit a narrative.
On this occasion, the Hungarian’s initial comments were likely just a case of English not being his first language.
At least that puts it to bed!
When Alexis Mac Allister will return to Liverpool
Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister during a training session at Atlanta United Training Centre, Georgia. England will face Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match on Wednesday. Picture date: Tuesday July 14, 2026.
Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister during a training session at Atlanta United Training Centre, Georgia. England will face Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match on Wednesday. Picture date: Tuesday July 14, 2026.
Mac Allister will be the last of Liverpool’s World Cup contingent to return to training, with the midfielder due to report back after Monaco visits to Anfield on August 9.
“Alexis will have, I think, until the Monaco game,” Iraola recently confirmed. “I think deserved holidays for him; long season, long World Cup, played until the final, has played a lot of minutes.
“I hope he comes fully recovered and he enjoys also the break that he definitely has earned.”
Liverpool’s new head coach also directly addressed Mac Allister’s future while in the US, making it clear he wants to retain the midfielder’s services.
“I think Alexis has been one of the club’s best players in the past years,” Iraola began when asked about interest from LaLiga.
“He has had a very good World Cup, and it’s normal that other clubs want our best players, our good players, it always happens in all the markets.
“But I want to keep my good players. Probably I’m looking forward more to signing new players than losing the ones we have here.”
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong walks off injured during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's players line-up for a team group photograph before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Back row (L-R): goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, Trey Nyoni, Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, captain Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander Isak. Front row (L-R): Florian Wirtz, Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)