Alexis Mac Allister has spoken publicly about his frustration at Liverpool's refusal to offer him a new contract, admitting he turned down chances to leave the club during the summer transfer window.
The Argentine midfielder addressed the topic ahead of Liverpool's Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid, revealing that his representatives had been told the club was not in a position to extend his deal, which runs for two more years after being signed from Brighton for £35m in June 2023.
"I received the news that the club was not in a position to offer me a new contract, which of course makes me very, very sad," Mac Allister said. "Everyone can see that I give my 100% for this football club every single day in training and games. Of course, I can have very good games and bad games, like everyone, but I always give my best."
The 27-year-old's frustration appears heightened by the fact that teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch both signed new long-term deals earlier this year, while Liverpool also spent heavily on new arrivals during the transfer window. "I see Dominik and Ryan renewing their contracts and that makes me very happy because they deserve it," Mac Allister said. "At the same time it makes me a little bit sad that I didn't get mine. Of course, there is still time. The fans don't need to worry because I will give my 100% until the last day I am here."
Mac Allister, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and was a key figure in Liverpool's Premier League title triumph in 2024-25, confirmed he had interest from elsewhere, with Real Madrid, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid all reportedly keen. He chose not to push for an exit, however, citing his belief in the project being built under new head coach Andoni Iraola. "There were options to leave this summer," he said. "I think right now I'm in the right club and I have the right mindset to give 100% for this club."
Explaining his decision to stay despite the contract snub, Mac Allister added: "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."
The midfielder revealed there had been no direct conversation between himself and the club's hierarchy over the matter, with the message relayed instead through his agent. He acknowledged that last season, in which Liverpool slipped to fifth place and parted ways with manager Arne Slot, was a difficult one personally. "It wasn't a good season for me individually and for us as a team," he admitted, though he still made 55 appearances, more than the previous campaign.
Mac Allister suggested his future may hinge on his performances in the coming months. "It is going to depend on how I perform during these years," he said, adding that he hoped the club might reconsider its stance if he delivers.
Iraola, who takes charge of his first Champions League match against Diego Simeone's Atletico, responded diplomatically when asked about the situation, stressing that Mac Allister remains a valued member of his squad. "The important thing is he wants to be here," the Spanish coach said. "We haven't been together a long time but he has been an important player and I rate him very highly. There is still a lot of time to talk about those contract situations."
Mac Allister also praised the early impression Iraola has made since replacing Slot, having started the last two matches after being used from the bench in the season-opening win at Newcastle. "Since I came to pre-season and worked under Andoni, I could see something special," he said. "He is a really good coach, he knows very well what he wants to do and we are trying to get there."
Based on reporting from BBC Sport, The Guardian, The Independent, and Evening Standard.