Liverpool appear determined to secure Alexis Mac Allister’s long-term future at Anfield, with the club reportedly planning to open discussions over a new contract later this year.
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool want to underline just how important the Argentina international is to their plans by negotiating improved terms, with his current contract running until 2028.
And after all the recent speculation surrounding Mac Allister’s future, this is exactly the kind of news Liverpool supporters will want to hear.
Liverpool want Mac Allister to stay
Mac Allister has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs in recent months, while Manchester City have also reportedly considered him as a potential option if Rodri leaves.
But Liverpool’s position appears increasingly clear.
They want to keep him.
Recent reports suggest approaches from several clubs have been rejected, while Mac Allister’s father and agent Carlos has also indicated that his son remains committed to Liverpool.
Now the Reds are apparently preparing to take the next step themselves.
Why Mac Allister is so important
It’s easy to underestimate just how valuable Mac Allister is to Liverpool.
He can play deeper when required, dictate the tempo, progress the ball and contribute further forward.
His intelligence in possession is one of his biggest strengths.
And in an Iraola team expected to play with intensity and aggression, having a midfielder who can remain composed when everything around him is moving at full speed could be crucial.
Liverpool have already prioritised securing Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai on long-term deals.
Getting Mac Allister tied down would be another important piece of the midfield puzzle.
The timing makes sense
Mac Allister currently has two years remaining on his contract.
That means Liverpool still have plenty of protection, but opening negotiations now would make sense rather than allowing the situation to drift towards the final year.
It would also send a clear message to potential suitors:
Mac Allister is part of Liverpool’s long-term plans.
Liverpool paid an initial £35m to sign him from Brighton in 2023, and he has since established himself as an important player at Anfield.
Now the club appear ready to reward him with a new deal.
Forget Manchester City
The recent speculation about Manchester City makes this even more interesting.
If Rodri does leave City, Mac Allister could potentially become one of the midfielders they look at.
But Liverpool should have absolutely no desire to strengthen a Premier League rival.
And if the Reds can agree a new contract with Mac Allister later this year, it would make any potential move even more difficult.
For me, keeping Mac Allister is far more important than whatever transfer fee Liverpool could potentially receive for him.
Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai
There is also something exciting about the possibility of Liverpool keeping this midfield together.
Ryan Gravenberch.
Alexis Mac Allister.
Dominik Szoboszlai.
Add Florian Wirtz into the equation and Liverpool suddenly have an incredibly talented group of midfielders for Iraola to work with.
The challenge now is getting the balance right.
Carragher has already warned that Liverpool’s midfield remains vulnerable to being stretched, but having these players available gives Iraola plenty of technical and athletic qualities to work with.
A very welcome contract story
After so much speculation about players potentially leaving Liverpool this summer, this is a refreshing change.
Rather than discussing an exit, we’re talking about Liverpool trying to secure one of their most important players for the long term.
Mac Allister is entering the prime years of his career.
Liverpool should want those years to be spent at Anfield.
And if talks do begin later this year, I think most supporters will be hoping for one outcome.
Get it done.
Because Alexis Mac Allister isn’t a player Liverpool should be looking to replace.
He’s a player they should be building around.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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