Alexis Mac Allister Joins Liverpool in £35m Deal from Brighton and Argentina
Liverpool has finalized a £35m agreement to sign midfielder Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton on a five-year contract.
The potential fee could reach £55m for the talented Argentina playmaker, who played a pivotal role in Brighton’s sixth-place finish in the Premier League, securing their first-ever qualification for European competitions.
During his time at Brighton, the 24-year-old contributed 20 goals in 112 appearances and was part of the Argentina squad that clinched the 2022 World Cup.
Expressing his excitement, Mac Allister said, “It’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve been eager to join since the beginning of pre-season, so it’s great that everything is now finalized. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates.”
Reflecting on his successful year, which included the World Cup triumph and Brighton’s achievements, Mac Allister emphasized his focus on Liverpool, stating his desire to improve as both a player and a person every day.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp aims to reinforce his midfield following the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.
However, Liverpool was unable to secure the services of Borussia Dortmund’s English teenage sensation Jude Bellingham, who appears destined to join Real Madrid after the clubs reached a £88.5m (103m euro) agreement.
Mac Allister initially joined Brighton from Argentinos Juniors in January 2019 but immediately returned to the Buenos Aires club on loan.
With 16 international caps, Mac Allister emerged as a key player during Argentina’s victorious World Cup campaign, featuring prominently in the final against France after sitting out the opening defeat to Saudi Arabia.
Since his World Cup triumph, Mac Allister has set his sights on winning more trophies, believing that Liverpool provides the ideal platform for achieving his ambitions. He praised the club’s magnitude, including the players, staff, and overall setup, expressing his enthusiasm and anticipation for representing Liverpool.
Mac Allister took to Instagram to thank Brighton, expressing his gratitude for the club that provided him with incredible moments and opportunities. He conveyed his belief in Brighton’s ability to achieve significant accomplishments due to their footballing skills and human qualities, promising continued support.
Analysis:
Liverpool’s acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister showcases the club’s ability to secure notable signings, further solidifying their reputation in the transfer market.
Mac Allister’s involvement in Argentina’s World Cup victory, coupled with his impressive performances for Brighton in the Premier League, particularly in their Europa League qualification campaign, makes him an exciting addition to Liverpool’s midfield.
As Liverpool embarks on a summer rebuild of their midfield, Mac Allister’s versatility across different positions and his astute game intelligence were instrumental in the club’s decision to pursue him.
The addition of a high-quality player like Mac Allister generates excitement among fans and instills hope for a brighter future as Liverpool seeks to bounce back from a disappointing season.
Julian Ward, who will be departing as the club’s sporting director this summer, played a leading role alongside the football operations team in securing the deal for Mac Allister. He will be succeeded by Jorg Schmadtke in this crucial role.
