Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has revealed his agent was informed by the club that they are not currently in a position to offer him a new contract. Speaking to reporters, the 27-year-old Argentina international admitted the news made him "very, very sad" and acknowledged he had options to leave Anfield in the summer. Just a day after making these comments, Mac Allister scored the winning goal in Liverpool's Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, prompting public advice from club legend Steven Gerrard and a measured response from manager Andoni Iraola.
Gerrard urges patience as Iraola responds
Addressing the midfielder's contract admissions, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard advised Mac Allister to focus entirely on his on-field output. Speaking on match coverage, Gerrard described the midfielder's display against Atletico Madrid as "outstanding" and suggested consistent performances would eventually lead to a renewal. "Let your football do the talking," Gerrard said. "Consistency, top performance; show your experience. Show you're a top international. This club will reward you." Gerrard added that any final decision regarding a renewal will ultimately rest with manager Andoni Iraola.
Iraola, now in his debut season at Anfield, sought to lower the tension surrounding the situation. While praising Mac Allister's importance to the squad, the manager noted that with the player's current contract running until June 2028, there is no immediate rush. "There is still a lot of time to talk about those contract situations," Iraola stated, confirming he rates the player highly.
Bargaining power and squad dynamics
Mac Allister's public comments have highlighted a stark contrast in Liverpool's recent midfield planning. The club recently secured long-term contract extensions for fellow midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, leaving Mac Allister as a notable omission from the recent wave of renewals. Having joined the club from Brighton in the summer of 2023, the midfielder still has two years remaining on his contract, but his admission of summer interest—previously linked with Manchester City—adds leverage to his position.
While no formal contract negotiations or new offers have been confirmed by Liverpool, match-winning performances in Europe will only strengthen Mac Allister's hand. If he continues to dictate games in the Champions League, the Anfield hierarchy may be forced to reconsider their current financial stance before his contract enters its final 18 months.
