Find out how superstar midfielder Alexis Mac Allister will slot into Jurgen Klopp’s plans after agreeing personal terms and settling on a fee to leave Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Argentinian is the first signing of Jurgen Klopp’s end-of-season rebuild as the Reds aim to get back to Champions League football and challenge for trophies.
Understand Liverpool have booked a medical today for Alexis Mac Allister. 🚨🔴 #LFC
The plan is advance on formal contracts stuff today, complete medical then sign contract on Wednesday.
Deal until June 2028.
Alexis wants move completed before travelling to join Argentina NT. pic.twitter.com/GIXcSY9lom
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2023
Prior to the World Cup in Qatar, Mac Allister signed a contract extension with the Seagulls that included a release clause to avoid losing the World Cup winner on a free transfer in 18 months’ time.
This deal has worked in Liverpool’s favour, with the release clause rumoured to be in the range of 38 – 45 million pounds, a bargain price for an experienced Premier League midfielder and World Cup winner that is yet to enter the prime of his career.
Liverpool are getting a midfielder that has won the biggest trophy in football, played and performed extremely well in the biggest match there is to play, does not need Premier League adaptation and not even at his peak at 24 years old. Alexis Mac Allister. Gem. pic.twitter.com/eZdFiz0Znp
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) June 5, 2023
He is versatile as an attacking midfielder, box-to-box number eight and deeper lying midfielder with more defensive and build-up responsibility.
This is what makes this addition to Liverpool so exciting. A 24-year-old, versatile midfielder with an engine that can consistently provide attacking support is what has been missing since the exit of Gini Wijnaldum in May of 2021.
Mac Allister is technically sound; he is one of the most press-resistant midfielders – a player that is able to withstand an intense press and not just retain the ball, but progress play up the pitch in the Premier League. This is his most valuable contribution to Brighton’s midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister is an interesting signing for us. Under pressure, he was one of the best midfielders in the premier league last season.
Here is a look at his post-recovery passing numbers:
84% Ball Retention
6.5% Progression pic.twitter.com/YygkWxLN3P— Pranav (@pranav_m28) June 5, 2023
Looking at Liverpool’s shortcomings in the midfield last season, it was a lack of energy with Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago and Elliot regularly outrun by the opposition. A lack of fight, where the same players were getting physically bullied in midfield by opposition and giving the ball away carelessly in possession, either under pressure from a high press or lacking consistent technical quality.
Now if we look at those issues, Alexis Mac Allister solves every single one. He is a high-level player in possession, both creatively and in consistency, has an exceptional engine and a great injury record.
Adam Lallana talking about Alexis Mac Allister a while back ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VXnnbxsGWO
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) June 5, 2023
There is risk to every transfer with increased demands and pressure to perform, especially moving to a club like Liverpool in a desperate moment, but his ability, skillset, attitude and Premier League readiness have virtually made this a zero risk transfer.
Mac Allister is a statement signing for Liverpool without breaking the bank. A great start to arguably the most important transfer window under Jurgen Klopp, with the Argentine’s versatility and attitude the perfect example of the archetypical Klopp player. For Liverpool fans, this is hopefully just the beginning.
Photo: Twitter @TheAnfieldBuzz