Alexis Mac Allister has made a bright start to the season, but it's his comments about his contract situation at Liverpool that have drawn the most attention recently
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 9, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister has aired his disappointment at not being offered a new contract at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Jermaine Pennant has slammed Alexis Mac Allister’s comments on his contract situation - although he does feel they could end up working in Liverpool’s favor.
Mac Allister made his frustrations public last week after being informed by the Reds that they weren’t in a position to offer him a new contract, despite fellow midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch earning new deals.
The Argentina international said he felt “sad” at not being offered a new contract, with his current deal still having two years remaining on it. He also admitted that he had the opportunity to leave the club during the summer, but chose to turn down offers from elsewhere.
“Everyone can see that I give 100 percent for this football club, every single day, in training and games,” Mac Allister said.
“I see Dominik and Ryan renewing their contracts and that makes me very happy because they deserve it, but at the same time it makes me a little bit sad that I didn’t get mine.”
Mac Allister would follow up his comments with a match-winning goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, continuing what has been an impressive start to the season.
The 27-year-old though has not been able to escape the criticism from pundits for his comments before the game, with Pennant taking Liverpool’s side on the matter.
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant looks on
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has hit out at Alexis Mac Allister for his contract comments(Image: Getty Images)
“I think it was just a bit of bitterness,” Pennant told Anfield Index.
“If he really has a hard look at himself and last season’s performances, he’s got two years left on his contract and didn’t really warrant a new deal.
“A new deal and a new contract is for someone putting in stellar performances and being one of your star players for that season. That’s why we want to keep you, we don’t want to lose you, and he was miles off it.”
Pennant though also suggested that Mac Allister’s disappointment may be of benefit to Liverpool, with the midfielder now potentially feeling as though he has a point to prove.
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“I think two players around him got in the same kind of position and got new deals. But he made a statement, popped up, good performance and banged in a goal.
“So I think not giving him a contract maybe works, because are we going to see the old Mac Allister? The Mac Allister that got into the Premier League Team of the Year?
“He’s a great player, no shadow of a doubt. Good pre-season, decent World Cup, if he stays fit now then I’m sure Liverpool will renew his contract, especially in the next six months or so.
“He’s got two years left. We don’t want to let it run down and lose him on a free because we need these kind of players in the squad.”