Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister is still facing an uncertain future with the club in the long-term, despite the likelihood that he will stay in the summer transfer market.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina looks dejected after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain defeated reigning World Cup champions Argentina, who were led by Lionel Messi, with the lone goal coming from Ferran Torres #7 in the 106th minute of extra time. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)(Image: (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images))
Alexis Mac Allister looks set to stay at Liverpool this summer, but that doesn't paint the whole picture surrounding a player who still faces an uncertain future at Anfield.
The 27-year-old has endured a long summer on and off the pitch, as his involvement in the World Cup saw him reach the final before falling at the last hurdle. That extended his season by a month or two, and as a result, there has been less time for him to get up to speed for the new season ahead.
There have also been rumors surrounding his future at Liverpool, as links have emerged with a transfer to Real Madrid and Manchester City throughout the summer market so far.
On both occasions, his father Carlos has denied the claims of an exit and has reaffirmed the stance that Mac Allister will be staying at Liverpool for the foreseeable future.
Exactly how long that is, however, is anyone's guess. The midfielder has just two years left on his contract at Anfield, meaning that his future is nearing a potential crossroads.
For Liverpool, while the control is still in its hands, there is a potentially brutal decision to make one way or another with Mac Allister in the team.
Either a sale has to be considered, with the contract dwindling and only weakening the club's negotiating position for a good fee, or a new contract must be considered to end all of the speculation.
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre
Alexis Mac Allister has been linked with a transfer to Manchester City(Image: (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
It's a familiar issue that has occurred far too often at Liverpool in recent seasons, where players can run down their contracts and either force an exit for a low fee or as a free agent, or the Reds are backed into a corner and must shell out to extend deals.
Recent examples of players who have run down their deals include the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate, both of whom left for minimal fees or nothing altogether to join Real Madrid.
A current situation that remains similar is that of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, both of whom are now in the final year of their deals and are proving a hard bargain to secure a fee for.
There have been other examples of players signing new deals but coming extremely close to leaving, such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah two seasons ago.
With Mac Allister quickly reaching a similar point in his stay at Liverpool, the club is facing a brutal decision one way or the other. Sell for maximum profit, or extend his deal before it's too late.
It's not an easy decision, one that will have to wait until after the current window to be made, but it will be the first task of the new sporting director whenever they are appointed.