Liverpool are planning to open talks with Alexis Mac Allister over a new contract amid interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City.
This is the biggest indication that Liverpool see the Argentine midfielder as part of their long-term planning after successfully renewing Dominik Szoboszlai’s terms this summer.
The last two seasons have seen Mac Allister seemingly regress, but it’s also fair to say the kind of football Arne Slot were playing didn’t suit a player who is best when playing on the front foot.
His father and agent, Carlos Mac Allister, has already confirmed that Alexis will remain at Liverpool this season, effectively ending talk of a move to City or Madrid.
Mac Allister Sr told winwin: “Alexis will stay at Liverpool, we have not discussed any possibility of his departure from the club this summer.”
Report claims Liverpool intend to sit down with Mac Allister and discuss a potential new contract
According to a report from Caught Offside, Liverpool are “taking a firm stance” on Mac Allister’s future.
The report reads: “The club intends to secure the Argentine midfielder’s future at Anfield by opening talks later this year over a new contract. With two years remaining on his current deal, Liverpool want to underline his importance to the squad and keep him as a central figure in their long-term project, sources have informed CaughtOffside.
“Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid expressed interest earlier in the summer, while Chelsea and Manchester City also made contact in recent weeks.
“However, Mac Allister’s representatives and Liverpool rejected these approaches. His father, who also acts as his agent, confirmed that leaving the club was never considered and that the player will remain at Liverpool. This effectively closed the door on any transfer this summer.
“Mac Allister is eager to work under new head coach Andoni Iraola and sees himself playing a leading role in Liverpool’s project. His current market value is estimated at €70 million, while Liverpool set a €100 million threshold in July, signalling their reluctance to sell.”
Mac Allister will need to increase his levels in line with his performances for Argentina at the World Cup
It’s good to hear that Mac Allister, whose current contract is worth a reported £180,000 per week (£7.8m/year), will stay at Liverpool for the season ahead and that he may even sign a new deal if talks go as hoped.
However, he will need to improve after over a year of stagnation and regression for Liverpool.
It was a bit odd seeing Mac Allister so lively and energetic at the World Cup after so many lethargic and ineffective displays for Liverpool last season, but it does prove that there is still more to come from the 27-year-old.
The hope is that the arrival of Andoni Iraola and high-pressing football will once again get the best out of Mac Allister as we saw under Jurgen Klopp, but time will tell if this is the case.