Alexis Mac Allister has said he feels “very sad” after Liverpool declined to offer him a new contract and admitted he rejected the chance to leave this summer.
Mac Allister revealed unhappiness over his contract situation before Liverpool’s Champions League opener against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday. The Argentina midfielder has two years remaining on his deal and believes he is effectively playing for a new contract having been informed no extension is on the table. Mac Allister confirmed he had offers to leave – Real Madrid and Manchester City were among those linked – but chose to stay because Liverpool can accomplish “something special” this season under Andoni Iraola.
“There was a chance [to leave] of course, like everybody knows,” said the 27-year-old, clearly keen to get the matter off his chest. “I received the news that the club was not in a position to offer me a new contract, which of course makes me very sad. I think everyone can see that I give my 100% for this football club, every single day in training. Of course I have good games and bad games, but I always give my best.
“I see Dominik [Szoboszlai] and Ryan [Gravenberch] renewing their contracts, which makes me very happy because they deserve it, but at the same time it makes me sad that I didn’t get mine. Of course there is still time [to be offered a new contract]. Fans don’t need to worry because I will give 100% until my last day. We will see what happens. There was options to leave this summer. I think right now I’m in the right club.”
Liverpool signed Mac Allister for a cut-price £35m in June 2023 by activating a release clause in his Brighton contract. He claimed a new deal from Liverpool “is going to depend on how I perform during these years,” although he will be approaching 30 by the time his existing contract expires.
Asked why he chose to stay at Anfield this summer, despite his obvious discontent, Mac Allister replied: “Because this is the right club, that’s why. I love being here, this is something special. I feel we can be successful, what I want is to win trophies, and I think we have the right players and the right mentality to do great things, but everyone had to be on the same page.”
Mac Allister’s negotiating position would not have been at its strongest this summer after a disappointing season under Arne Slot, although he enjoyed a fine World Cup with Argentina. Iraola suggested Liverpool’s decision on Mac Allister might not be final.
The head coach, who will take charge of his first Champions League game on Wednesday while Diego Simeone leads Atletico for the 129th time in the competition, said: “I don’t know how much my players earn. I know how to improve my players, to help them win games. The same with Alexis and everyone else. He is very experienced player who has achieved massive things but I hope he can develop as a player and if all goes well those problems will be solved.”
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