Alexis Mac Allister has revealed that Liverpool informed him this summer that they were not in a position to offer him a new contract, a decision that has left the Argentine midfielder disappointed despite his desire to remain at Anfield.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Mac Allister disclosed that he had genuine options to leave the club in the recent transfer window, with suggestions he could have moved to the Spanish side. Instead, he stayed at Anfield, though the uncertainty over his long-term future remains unresolved.
"There were options to leave this summer," Mac Allister said. "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."
The World Cup winner's situation stands in contrast to that of his midfield colleagues from Liverpool's 2025 title-winning campaign. Ryan Gravenberch put pen to paper on a six-year extension in March, while Dominik Szoboszlai agreed a five-year deal in July. All three players joined Liverpool in 2023 and were central to the club's domestic success, yet only Mac Allister has been left without fresh terms.
"I see Dominik and Ryan renewing their contracts and that makes me very happy because they deserve it, but at the same time it makes me a little bit sad I didn't get mine," Mac Allister admitted. "Of course, there is still time."
The 26-year-old's current deal runs until 2028, meaning there is no immediate crisis, but the lack of a renewal raises questions about how Liverpool view his long-term role, particularly with his transfer value potentially decreasing as the contract shortens. The club has previously allowed several players to leave for reduced fees or on free transfers as deals approached expiry, a pattern that has drawn scrutiny of Liverpool's contract management under the previous football operations setup.
Mac Allister was candid in acknowledging that his own performances last season may have played a part in the club's reluctance to commit further. "What I got from my agent was that they were not in the position to renew me. It's really sad because we won the Premier League together, we went through difficult times as well together and I always give my best," he said. "I take responsibility because it was not a good season for me individually and for the team."
Despite the disappointment, the Argentine was keen to stress his commitment to the club and expressed understanding for Liverpool's stance. "Maybe it is going to depend on how I perform during these years, like every football player, and they are right to make the decision," he said. "I don't think I have to prove something, but I have to show the level I can perform and hopefully that is the case. I love this club, I love being here, I love the fans."
Mac Allister enjoyed a strong World Cup campaign with Argentina, who reached the final, and has since returned to Liverpool's starting XI in place of Gravenberch following the draw at Newcastle. Head coach Andoni Iraola, who took charge this season, played down concerns over the contract saga.
"The important thing for me is he wants to continue here on the footballing side," Iraola said. "I think very highly of him and definitely there is still a lot of time to talk about those contract situations."
With Liverpool having already committed roughly £650 million to signings over the past 15 months and operating one of the largest wage bills in world football, the club's financial calculations appear to be shaping decisions on legacy players, even those who were instrumental in delivering the Premier League title.
Based on reporting from The Independent.