PREMIER LEAGUE
How much is Liverpool FC paying for Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister?
“He’s going to be a Liverpool player,” is the message coming out of his homeland as Jürgen Klopp rebuilds ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
In a further development, Argentinian journalist Gastón Edul, known for his viral “What are you looking at, silly man” moment with Lionel Messi, declared on his official Twitter account that Alexis Mac Allister will be joining Liverpool. The information was further expanded upon in TyC Sports, where Edul stated that although the deal is not yet official, the agreement is complete, and Mac Allister will play for Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool starting from the next season.
Argentina’s Mac Allister Anfield bound
Liverpool, who recently withdrew from a heated pursuit of Jude Bellingham, their initial target to strengthen the team’s vulnerable area, will reportedly pay Brighton & Hove Albion an amount close to £70 million (c.$85 million) for Mac Allister’s services. This figure for the World Cup winner is likely to be around half that of what was being demanded for the English wonderkid at Borussia Dortmund, whose future may lie with Real Madrid and the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mac Allister has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders since his arrival at Brighton, a team on the cusp of making history. Currently sitting in sixth place, the Seagulls, under the guidance of manager Roberto De Zerbi, known for his distinct coaching style, have the opportunity to make their mark in European competition. De Zerbi views Mac Allister, the son of former Boca Juniors player Carlos Mac Allister, as an integral part of the team’s vibrant and hardworking style of play. With a calculated and focused approach, backed by a transfer policy that emphasizes young talent, Brighton have the Europa League in their sights.
Liverpool midfield situation being resolved
Cucurella’s departure for in the region of $70 million, followed by Bissouma’s transfer for $30 million, Ben White’s move for $60 million, and most recently, Leandro Trossard’s sale for $25 million. These four sales have brought in nearly €200 million, which has been used to finance the signings of Enciso, Buonanotte, and Adingra. Liverpool had reserved a significant budget since last year, after losing out to Real Madrid in the pursuit of another target, just as it has now happened with Bellingham. That time, their focus was on Tchouameni, however, they ended up being forced into panic loan deal for Arthur Melo, with desired targets impossible. The Brazilian has played just 13 minutes in the Champions League and has yet to make his Premier League debut, with a single game remaining. A rare Klopp flop.
Liverpool is now making a secure bet on the World Cup champion from Qatar to strengthen their midfield. They are looking to reinforce a unit that will see the departures of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keïta, Milner, and even though he wasn’t present, Arthur. Additionally, Henderson, who is already 32 years old, and Thiago Alcántara, who has played 28 games this season but has also suffered 16 injury setbacks, are getting older. As a result, Fabinho remains the only non-negotiable player for Klopp, anchoring the team in midfield.
Mac Allister added to youthful Reds
Amidst the youthful energy of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and the Spaniard Stefan Bajectic, Mac Allister, just 24, emerges as a fabulous option in midfield, with versatility in abundance. He brings a high level of game intelligence and is expected to provide a greater sense of control in Klopp’s system.
Mac Allister has been a key player for Scaloni and the Argentinian national team, and his arrival comes after an impressive season with twelve goals and two assists from deep. Guardiola has also taken notice of his performances, and Chelsea have reportedly been pushing hard, but it would appear that this one is sewn up for the Anfield faithful to cheer.
The German manager started his Liverpool revolution with success in the Europa League. Will we now witness Klopp 2.0 starting next season?