Liverpool have announced the signing of Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who signs a contract with the Reds through to 2028.
- Mac Allister signs from Brighton
- Player pens five-year deal
- Liverpool paid £35 million release clause
WHAT HAPPENED? The 2022 World Cup winner joined the Seagulls back in 2019 but enjoyed a breakout season this term, scoring 12 goals and laying on three assists in 40 appearances as Brighton landed a maiden European spot. Mac Allister became one of the most sought-after names in his position – having also starred in Argentina’s triumphant run in Qatar – with Liverpool successfully fending off competition to land the 24-year-old in a reported £35 million ($44m) deal.
Sky Sports News understands he was identified as a key target for Liverpool prior to the World Cup and the club value his versatility.
The 24-year-old’s arrival is likely to begin what looks set to be a busy summer at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp looking to freshen up a side that missed out on Champions League qualification this season.
Sky Sports’ Adam Bate:
Liverpool’s midfield has been scrutinised for some time, seen as the root cause of their decline. Overhauling it offers a route out of their problems. The acquisition of Mac Allister could prove to be a significant moment for Jurgen Klopp.
The Argentina international has pedigree. Already a World Cup winner, the 24-year-old midfielder has proven himself in the Premier League at Brighton and has the breadth of skills that make him an ideal fit for the demands at Liverpool.
It is why Jude Bellingham was long seen as the solution. At its best, a Klopp midfield includes players who can defend and attack, tackle, pass and shoot. Mac Allister can do all of that. Speaking to him in January, he was acutely aware of his own positional flexibility.
“I always say that I like to be in contact with the ball,” he told Sky Sports. “The closer I am to the ball, the better I feel. I like to play as a midfielder. It does not matter if it is as a 6, an 8 or a 10. I grew up as a 10. But then I understood that I could play in more positions.
“I think it is important for the modern player to be able to play in different positions to give the team and the manager different options. If you ask me I would say that today I feel more comfortable as an 8, but I know I can play as a 6 or a 10.”
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson:
“If Liverpool are going to challenge for the league as well as just the top four, for them to get Mac Allister would be a great signing. He’s a top player, a World Cup winner and was a massive influence in that tournament.
“He’s a very good player, a very calming influence on the pitch. He keeps the ball and ticks it along, and reminds me a bit of an Ilkay Gundogan without the goals.
“He’s a different kind of player to Jude Bellingham who they wanted before, Bellingham would get forward a bit more, but Mac Allister does the simple stuff very, very well.
“People might say, ‘Oh, the simple stuff?’ but there’s not a lot of players who can do that.” READ MORE
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