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The Athletic clarifies Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City news

Alexis Mac Allister returned to Liverpool training on Monday after being given an extended break following Argentina’s involvement in the 2026 World Cup.

The midfielder had been among the players allowed additional time away after reaching the final with his country.

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His return gives new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola another senior option in midfield as preparations for the new season enter their final stages.

Iraola had previously stressed the importance of allowing the Argentina international enough time to recover after a demanding campaign and World Cup.

The 27-year-old is now expected to become an important part of Liverpool’s plans for the 2026-27 campaign.

His return also comes at a time when uncertainty surrounds the future of fellow midfielder Curtis Jones, adding further importance to the club retaining experienced options in the position.

According to The Athletic, Mac Allister is not expected to leave Liverpool this summer despite reported interest from Manchester City and other European clubs.

The report indicates that Liverpool are unlikely to entertain offers for the Argentina international at this stage of the transfer window.

Mac Allister still has two years remaining on the contract he signed after joining Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion. The length of his deal has contributed to speculation over his future, particularly after reports suggested that several clubs were monitoring his situation.

However, Liverpool’s midfield situation makes a departure difficult to envisage this summer. With Jones’ future uncertain, allowing another senior midfielder to leave so close to the start of the campaign would leave Iraola with fewer established options in the position.

Jones is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, with his current deal due to expire in June 2027. The Athletic previously reported that uncertainty over his future had attracted attention from clubs including Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.

Mac Allister’s own contract situation has also attracted attention. His current agreement runs until June 2028, but reports earlier this summer indicated that Liverpool had not yet begun negotiations over an extension.

Iraola has nevertheless made clear that he wants to keep the midfielder at Anfield.

Speaking during Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States, the head coach described Alexis Mac Allister as one of the club’s best players and said he wanted to retain his key players.

“I think Alexis has been one of the best players of the club last year and has done a very good World Cup,” Iraola said.

The hope is that Mac Allister can return to the form he showed during the title-winning 2024/25 campaign.

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