Alexis Mac Allister: Liverpool transfer finalised as star takes iconic shirt and explains reasons for move

Liverpool have officially completed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, with the World Cup winner penning a five-year deal at Anfield.

The Reds have honed in on the capture of the World Cup winner and have quickly wrapped up his signing for a bargain fee. Indeed, with a clause in his deal at Brighton facilitating the move, the Merseysiders will pay just £35m for his signing.

His contract is worth an estimated £150,000 a week – three times the salary he was earning at the Amex.

The move to Anfield has now been announced by Liverpool on their official club website. But the move will not officially go through until the transfer window opens on June 14.

Mac Allister, who snubbed a late approach from Manchester United to sign for the Merseysiders, will inherit the No 10 shirt at Anfield. Previously worn by Sadio Mane, who left for Bayern Munich in 2022, it is the same number as the Argentine wore for the Seagulls.

The shirt is an iconic one at Anfield, having also previously been worn John Barnes, Philippe Coutinho and Michael Owen.

After passing a medical, Mac Allister did all his media work for the Merseysiders before heading away for international duty.

The world champions face Australia in Beijing next week, before playing Indonesia in Jakarta a few days later.

After which, Mac Allister will enjoy a holiday. He is due to meet up with his new teammates for the first time on July 8 for pre-season training.

As it stands, Liverpool’s first summer friendly is against Leicester in Singapore on July 30. They also face Bayern Munich in the Far East, with Mac Allister in line to debut in those games.

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Alexis Mac Allister revels in Liverpool transfer

Speaking for the first time about the reasons for signing for Liverpool, Mac Allister spoke of his pride at the move.

“It feels amazing. It’s a dream come true, it’s amazing to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” Mac Allister said. “I wanted to be in [from] the first day of pre-season, so it’s good that everything is done. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates.

“It was a fantastic year for me – World Cup, what we achieved with Brighton – but now it’s time to think about Liverpool and try to be a better player and a better human being every day.”

He scored 12 times for Brighton this season in an attacking midfield capacity. That will give the Merseysiders a new midfield thrust badly lacking since the days of Coutinho.

He can, however, play anywhere across the midfield and that versatility will be key for Jurgen Klopp.

Addressing the positions he can play in, Mac Allister stated: “Well, 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.

“As a player, I’m a player who tries to play as simple as possible, I try to help my teammates 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.”

Liverpool target other signings after Argentine

Mac Allister has played at Anfield twice before, enjoying both experiences. However, he is adamant his best moments on Merseyside are still to come.

“Well, I have to say that I’ve got very good memories at Anfield – but hopefully the ones coming will be even better.

“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.”

Liverpool will now turn their attention to more midfield recruits with Klopp chasing at least two more signings.

The likes of Nicolo Barella, Kouadio Kone and Khephren Thuram are all reportedly targets.

However, Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims a €60m move has been launched on Real Madrid for a player Klopp adores.

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