Sports08 September, 20263 min read
Alexis Mac Allister Says Liverpool Told Him It Could Not Offer New Contract
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Liverpool did not offer Mac Allister a new contract. Mac Allister said he was 'very sad' and had options to leave.
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Contract snub before Atletico
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said he is "very sad" after the club told him it was "not in a position to offer me a new contract" ahead of Liverpool's Champions League game against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday. Mac Allister, who joined on a five-year contract from Brighton in June 2023, said he had "options" to leave in the summer and that he had not had direct contact with Liverpool over the decision, adding that he would "give my 100% until the last day I am here." He pointed to fellow midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch extending their Reds deals this year, and said he was "very happy" they had renewed their contracts.
Reuters reported the 27-year-old has two years left on his current deal and that Liverpool informed him it could not offer new terms, unlike for Szoboszlai and Gravenberch. Mac Allister also said he chose to remain at Anfield after the arrival of former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, citing "something special" during pre-season.
Iraola plays down talks
Asked about his future, Mac Allister told reporters "Maybe. I don't know. It's going to depend on how I perform during this year," while Reuters said Iraola emphasised that he focuses on performance rather than contracts.
The BBC quoted Mac Allister saying he "has not had any conversations" with Iraola about the contract, and he added that when he sees how the coach wants the team to play and train, "I think this can be a successful year."
Iraola, speaking at a press conference, said: "The important thing is he wants to be here and continue here," and he also told reporters there was still time to negotiate the contract situation.
Mac Allister said he had been informed the decision was made with his agent rather than through direct talks, telling Sky Sports: "Not really. There wasn't any direct conversation with me - it was with my agent."
The Guardian framed the moment as Mac Allister believing he is "effectively playing for a new contract" after being told no extension is on the table.
What happens next at Anfield
Mac Allister said he will give his 100% "until the last day" he is at Liverpool, while also acknowledging that "There were options to leave this summer" and that he and the club would "see what happens." Reuters reported that Mac Allister considered transfer options as he spoke ahead of the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid at Anfield, with his current deal leaving him with "two years left". The BBC noted that Liverpool sacked manager Arne Slot after finishing fifth last season, and that Andoni Iraola was appointed this summer as Slot's successor.
“I will give 100 percent until the last day I am here.”
In the lead-up to the match, Sky Sports said Mac Allister admitted he could have left in the summer and that he has "two years left on his Anfield deal," while also noting that he started in Liverpool's last two league games. France 24 reported that Mac Allister threw his future "into doubt" after revealing his frustration at not being offered a new contract, but he insisted he remains committed to the Reds and said "I will give 100 percent until the last day I am here."