The reason Alexis Mac Allister chose Liverpool over Chelsea and Manchester City this summer has been outlined by his father.
During a three-and-a-half year stint at Brighton & Hove Albion, Mac Allister established himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest up-and-coming midfielders. His position as one of the game’s most promising young players was solidified by his key contribution to Argentina’s World Cup victory in 2022.
Over the summer, the 24-year-old was naturally connected with a transfer away from the Amex Stadium, with a number of other elite Premier League teams showing interest in making a deal.
But Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, explained in an interview with the Liverpool Echo why he preferred the Reds to Chelsea and Manchester City.
“He claimed that Liverpool’s intense interest in signing Alexis was the reason for his departure.
“They expressed a willingness to rely on him, so we wanted Alexis to join a team where he could settle in before the start of preseason and make his move on the opening day of the transfer window. This was crucial because we wanted him to get ready well for the team he ultimately chose to sign with.
“Jurgen Klopp played an important role in the transfer. Alexis and he were conversing. It was critical in determining which team he should play for when he got the call from Jurgen. Already, Alexis enjoys working with Jurgen and he enjoys working with Alexis. I believe it is crucial for a player to train in a supportive environment where they are always trusted by their teammates and coach.”
Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch were the other three midfielders whom Liverpool acquired during the summer transfer window. Mac Allister was also a member of that group.
Since Liverpool missed out on the signings of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, he has played almost exclusively in a new defensive midfield position so far this season. He could face off against his brother, Kevin, when Klopp’s team hosts Belgian upstarts Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League group stages.