Liverpool have accomplished the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for an undisclosed price.
The Argentina worldwide, who will put on Liverpool’s quantity 10 shirt, has signed a five-year deal after being allowed to endure a medical on Tuesday.
Mac Allister informed Liverpoolfc.com: “It feels nice. It’s a dream come true, it’s nice to be right here and I can’t wait to get began.
“I needed to be there from day one of many pre-season, so it’s good that every part is settled. I’m wanting ahead to attending to know my teammates.
“It’s been a unbelievable 12 months for me – the World Cup, what we achieved with Brighton – however now it’s time to consider Liverpool and attempt to be a greater participant and a greater individual day-after-day.”
“Ever since I gained the World Cup I’ve mentioned I wish to win extra trophies and I believe this membership will assist me to try this – that’s the intention and while you’re at a giant membership like this you must have trophies win.” Nicely, that’s what I would like.
“Ever since I acquired right here I can see how large this membership is – the gamers we now have, the workers, everybody. I’m actually pleased and searching ahead to taking part in for this membership.”
The Athletic revealed final month that Mac Allister’s contract signed final October till 2025 with an choice for an extra 12 months at Brighton included a mechanism designed to facilitate a transfer for the 24-year-old.
Liverpool agreed a take care of the south coast membership earlier this week after optimistic talks with gamers’ representatives.
Regardless of Liverpool failing to qualify for the Champions League, Mac Allister was eager to play for Jurgen Klopp.
Mac Allister, who scored 12 targets and registered three assists in 40 appearances for Brighton final season, grew to become Liverpool’s prime precedence for the summer season window after they dropped out of the race to signal Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in April.
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It caps a exceptional season for the previous Argentinos Juniors midfielder, who gained the World Cup in Qatar after which helped Roberto De Zerbi’s facet safe European soccer for the primary time with a sixth-place end within the Premier League.
De Zerbi mentioned of Mac Allister’s departure: “I’m proud to have been Alexis’ coach; he’s a really gifted participant. It has additionally been a privilege to work with a person who has sturdy and conventional values and I want him one of the best of luck sooner or later.”
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom added: “We’re extremely pleased with Alexis and unhappy to see him go.” He has achieved one thing very particular: changing into the primary Brighton & Hove Albion participant to win the World Cup and was a key participant in our greatest season ever.
“He’ll at all times be welcome right here on the Amex and on the town. On behalf of all Albion followers I wish to thank Alexis for the numerous nice reminiscences and nice performances within the Brighton shirt and need him all one of the best within the subsequent chapter of his profession.”
Mahmoud Dahoud will likely be a kind of set to interchange him for Brighton, with a free switch from Borussia Dortmund quickly to be confirmed, whereas James Milner will take the opposite route when his contract expires after eight years at Anfield.
The underpinnings of the deal had been led by outgoing sporting director Julian Ward and the membership’s soccer operations group, earlier than Ward lately left the membership. Jörg Schmadtke took workplace on June 1st.
Senior Anfield gamers have a long-standing relationship with Mac Allister’s agent Juan Gemelli, whose South American participant base consists of Renan Lodi, Alex Sandro and Allan. Gemelli was one of many representatives concerned within the January 2013 switch of Philippe Coutinho from Inter to Liverpool.
Liverpool imagine Mac Allister’s age (24) and profession appearances (160) suits the demographic of a number of the membership’s most profitable signings in trendy occasions, similar to Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk.
He was recognized as a major goal for the summer season forward of the World Cup and his performances for Brighton solely strengthened Klopp’s admiration for his versatility and taking part in intelligence.
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What’s going to Mac Allister carry to Liverpool?
Evaluation by Mark Carey
Mac Allister has made himself indispensable as a central midfielder at Brighton. His skill to carry the ball, dodge his instant opponent and construct up assaults are amongst his best strengths.
He typically pushes into gaps between the strains and tries to play within the ranks in entrance of him and his relationship with Moises Caicedo has been one of many strongest within the Premier League this season.
Whereas Mac Allister has the stamina to actively press when Brighton loses the ball, he’s much less of a ball winner than Caicedo and has room for enchancment when defending in a extra organized block.
Nonetheless, it’s what he gives on the ball that appeals to him probably the most. Defensive midfield, central midfield, attacking midfield – wherever you employ him, he’ll nonetheless give you his taking part in expertise.
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(Photograph: Getty Pictures)