When Alexis Mac Allister was still in with a chance of collecting a second World Cup winners medal, it did not seem to matter that he would miss most of pre-season with Liverpool.
The chance to become a double world champion has not been afforded to many players over the course of football history, and the cause was just enough that some time spent away from learning the ropes under Andoni Iraola did not seem to matter too much.
However, with Argentina beaten in Sunday’s final by Spain, the picture has shifted. After a dismal season, Mac Allister badly needs his three-week rest, but he is going to be left playing catch-up as a new head coach tries to implement different ideas at Liverpool. Mac Allister could really have done with being around for that.
What has been holding Alexis Mac Allister back at Liverpool recently?
Maybe Andoni Iraola can get more out of him 🤔
Now very likely to begin the season out of the team, there are big question marks over whether the 27-year-old will even stay at Anfield beyond the September 1st transfer deadline.
With Argentina’s campaign over and ending in heartbreak, Mac Allister’s future at Liverpool must be sorted out. So, what do the Reds do with their flailing No. 10?
Mac Allister could still be sold this summer
Ever since the end of the season, it has been reported that Mac Allister could be sold if a good offer arrives for his services.
While he has been away with his country, transfer talk has been completely parked, with no inkling that someone will make a bid to Liverpool.
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That does not mean that interest is not there, though, and there have been fairly regular claims that Mac Allister is on Real Madrid’s wishlist. If Los Blancos come in for him, an offer of £60m or so would surely see him leave.
But with Liverpool short all across the squad anyway, it would feel like a big decision to sell Mac Allister after what was a good World Cup for him. That does not mean Liverpool will not do it, though, and if they see a chance to cut their losses and cash in, they will.
New contract may come Mac Allister’s way
If he is not sold – and for now it feels more likely that he will stay – there is still a chance that Mac Allister’s story with Liverpool could be extended.
The former Brighton man is now the only one of Liverpool’s three big midfield signings of 2023 not to sign a contract extension, and on the back of his form last season the Reds are right to hold off on negotiations.
Make ONE prediction about the rest of Dominik Szoboszlai’s Liverpool career
He's here for the next FIVE years 😍
But if Mac Allister can take his form from the World Cup into the new campaign, and become the player he was during his first two seasons at Liverpool again, then the Reds should look at extending his stay.
Mac Allister will be just 29 when his current contract expires, and while he has looked a shadow of himself recently, he should still have years ahead of him at the top level.
Whether that will come at Liverpool or not will depend on what happens in the coming weeks. For now, Mac Allister needs to get away for a few weeks, clear his head, get the season out of his system and come back for talks with Andoni Iraola.
On the surface he potentially does not have the legs to thrive in an Iraola midfield, but if he shows the right attitude and a fight that we have seen in him during his Liverpool career, things do not have to end here.
The answer to what comes next for Alexis Mac Allister will be revealed in the coming weeks as his Reds career reaches a crucial crossroads.
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