Liverpool have signed midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Mac Allister has enjoyed a breakthrough season with 12 goals and three assists for Brighton who finished sixth to secure Europa League qualification – alongside fifth-placed Liverpool.
The 24 year-old also impressed for Argentina with one goal and assist apiece at the 2022 FIFA World Cup en-route to the title, after the Argentineans beat France on penalties in the final which saw both teams play out a dramatic six-goal thriller.
His performances ultimately caught the eyes of Liverpool who swooped quickly to sign Mac Allister as part of their midfield revamp this summer, amidst reported interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
James Milner meanwhile is rumoured to be heading in the opposite direction to Brighton on a free transfer following his departure from Liverpool, albeit separate to this transfer deal.
Speaking about his decision to move to Anfield on a five-year contract until June 2028 after Liverpool met his buyout clause, Mac Allister commented: “It feels amazing. It’s a dream come true, it’s amazing to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I wanted to be in [from] the first day of pre-season, so it’s good that everything is done. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates.
“It was a fantastic year for me – World Cup, what we achieved with Brighton – but now it’s time to think about Liverpool and try to be a better player and a better human being every day.”
Manager, Jurgen Klopp added that the club have signed ” a very talented, very smart, very technically skilled boy to our squad and this is super news, really it is.”
The German proceeded to describe Mac Allister as “an all-rounder” who “is calm and composed and someone with proper game intelligence.”
Klopp also acknowledged Brighton’s progress as he said: “My admiration and respect for what Brighton are doing is well known and Alexis has been a part of the journey that they have been on in becoming one of the toughest and best sides in the Premier League.”
In terms of targets for Mac Allister next season, Klopp refused to apply expectations as he iterated that there will be “no pressure” on the 24 year-old Argentinean.
Brighton manager, Roberto De Zerbi meanwhile has paid tribute to the Argentinean, as he commented: “I’m proud to have been Alexis’s coach; he is a very talented player. It has also been a privilege to work with a guy who has strong and traditional values, and I want to wish him good luck for the future.”
Seagulls’ Chairman, Tony Bloom added that the club “are incredibly proud of Alexis” but “sad to see him go.”
Bloom proceeded to reflect upon Mac Allister’s legacy as he added: “He did something very special, becoming the first Brighton & Hove Albion player to win the World Cup, and was a key player in our best-ever season.
“He will always be welcome here at the Amex and in the city. On behalf of all Albion fans, I would like to thank Alexis for the many amazing memories and superb performances in a Brighton shirt and wish him well for the next chapter in his career.”
Mac Allister leaves Brighton after four-and-a-half years at the club during which he initially was loaned out to Argentinos Juniors then Boca Juniors across 2019, before he was recalled in late January 2020 and made his Seagulls debut as a substitute in a goalless draw at Wolves in March 2020.
Despite enduring a change of manager this season in which he scored his best tally for Brighton in a single season of 12 goals, Mac Allister leaves the Seaguls having scored 20 goals in 112 appearances across all competitions.
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