Alexis Mac Allister is on the verge of joining Liverpool, with the player set to undergo a medical at Anfield after receiving permission from his current club, Brighton.
The move comes as part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans to revamp his midfield for the upcoming season.
The Argentina international emerged as a target for Klopp, and negotiations progressed swiftly to secure his services. This week, Liverpool will conduct the medical tests for the 24-year-old midfielder, paving the way for the finalization of his long-term contract.
The transfer fee remains undisclosed by both clubs and is widely speculated to exceed £40 million, indicating a substantial sum. Mac Allister has been an integral part of Brighton’s squad for the past four years, and his departure will leave a void in their midfield.
Although Manchester United also expressed interest in signing Mac Allister to strengthen their midfield under manager Erik Ten Hag, Liverpool quickly secured the player’s signature. This move came after Liverpool withdrew from the race to acquire Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
In October of last year, Mac Allister inked a contract extension with Brighton, which would have lasted until 2025, with the provision for an additional year. This extension led other clubs to investigate whether there was a potential buyout clause. Mac Allister significantly enhanced his reputation through notable contributions to Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar earlier this year.
Klopp has been evaluating various midfield targets for the summer transfer window, especially with the impending departures of Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who are all out of contract. Brighton has been engaging in talks with Milner, in particular, and expects him to move in the opposite direction of Mac Allister. Meanwhile, Liverpool conceded defeat in their pursuit of Bellingham, with Klopp likening the failed acquisition to “children wanting a Ferrari for Christmas.” Reports indicate that Real Madrid is now in advanced discussions to secure the services of the 19-year-old English midfielder.
Brighton will benefit greatly from the sale of Mac Allister, as they initially acquired him from Argentinos Juniors for approximately £12 million in 2019. The current transfer window has seen a high demand for central midfielders, with Arsenal also eyeing reinforcements in that area, specifically targeting West Ham’s Declan Rice as their top priority.
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