Liverpool have announced their first summer signing with the capture of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee. The Reds stole a march on their Premier League rivals by agreeing a deal for the Argentinian playmaker and he becomes the first player to arrive as part of Jurgen Klopp’s major midfield overhaul at Anfield after he snubbed a move to Manchester United.
The Seagulls star has penned a long-term contract until June 2028 after Liverpool agreed a fee with Brighton which is understood to be worth an initial £35million, rising to £55m with add-ons. Mac Allister will wear the No 10 shirt previously worn by Sadio Mane.
It was reported Mac Allister rejected the advances of United because he wanted to link up with Liverpool, despite the fact they missed out on a top-four finish. That then persuaded Erik ten Hag to make his move for Chelsea star Mason Mount who is nearing a move to Old Trafford in the coming weeks.
And the 24-year-old has explained his thirst for winning trophies, which began after tasting success with Argentina at the World Cup six months ago, was a major factor in his decision to choose the Reds.
“Since I won the World Cup, I said that I want to win more trophies and I think that this club will help me to do that,” Mac Allister told the club’s official website. “That’s the aim and when you are in a big club like this one you have to win trophies. So, that’s what I want.
“Since I arrived here, I can see how big this club is – the players we have, the staff, everyone. I’m really pleased and looking forward to playing for this club.”
Mac Allister’s impressive work ethic and eye for goal are just two attributes that make him an ideal signing for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who place an emphasis on attacking play and high pressing. He scored 10 goals in the Premier League last season, making him Brighton’s top goalscorer despite playing in midfield.
His versatility in the midfield, ranging from a deep-lying playmaker to a box-to-box midfielder, also gives him the ability to play a number of different roles. And the Argentinian insists he is happy to play where Klopp wants him to.
“I’ve played almost in every position! And I think the managers who worked with me know that I can do it everywhere if they need me,” he added.
“As a player, I’m a player who tries to play as simple as possible, I try to help my team-mates defensively or attacking. That’s the most important thing and I’m a team player and I will try to bring that to this club.”
Mac Allister knows all about playing for a club with a passionate fanbase after spending six months on loan with Boca Juniors, who play at the raucous La Bombanera stadium in Buenos Aires.
And he compared the similar atmospheres having already visited Anfield with Brighton last season.
“I have to say that I’ve got very good memories at Anfield – but hopefully the ones coming will be even better,” he said. “I played for Boca Juniors and I feel like Liverpool is that kind of team where the fans are supporting the whole game.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in front of our fans and showing what we can do.”
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