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'Painful, unpleasant' decision pushes Liverpool star to Real Madrid


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© IMAGO
Tom Weber

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Real Madrid target Alexis Mac Allister has admitted that “anything can happen” after Liverpool made a “painful” decision on his future.

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The Argentina international has been publicly campaigning for a new contract on Merseyside since last season, but to date, no fresh terms or even talks have materialised. Last term, that was somewhat understandable.

Mac Allister, like many other Liverpool players, endured a difficult season and looked a shadow of himself. The midfield appeared to be in need of another refresh, and he was the odd man out.

While Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai received new contracts, Mac Allister was left in limbo. In the summer, after helping Argentina reach the World Cup final, he aired his grievances and confessed to being “sad” about the situation.

In a way, this situation has actually worked in Liverpool’s favour. The 27-year-old is performing like a man who is playing for a contract under new coach Andoni Iraola. Mac Allister has been arguably the Reds’ most reliable player this season.

Mac Allister still hopeful of new deal

In the summer, Mac Allister was being offered around to possible suitors, including Real Madrid. At the time, the Spanish giants refrained from making a move, but their interest has been piqued by his contract ordeal.

With his current terms set to expire in 2028, a move could be possible – and perhaps even likely – next year, as Liverpool will look to make midfield signings of their own. Recent reports suggested that Jose Mourinho has made the Argentine one of his preferred targets.

Alexis Mac Allister
© IMAGO – Alexis Mac Allister

Speaking to Argentine reporter Gaston Edul, Mac Allister reiterated that it was “painful” and “unpleasant” to be informed by Liverpool that no new contract would be forthcoming.

“Obviously, we’re in a situation where I have a year and a half left on my contract, and last season, I was told that the club’s idea was not to renew it, at least for now. And obviously, that was a painful, unpleasant situation,” Mac Allister explained.

When asked if he was affected by the decision, the midfielder played it cool, saying: “Not that much, because at the end of the day, I had and still have time left at this club, which is what I want most – to stay here.”

Despite the “unpleasant” situation, Mac Allister is hopeful that the recent changes at the club, in conjunction with his strong form, could result in a U-turn. “The reality is that the manager has now changed, the sporting director has changed, and new investors are coming into the club.

“So I think I’m now in a position where anything can happen,” he concluded. “We’ll see what happens in the future. I’ve always said that I’m very happy here, that I really enjoy it. We’ll see.”

Clearly, Mac Allister is keen to show Liverpool that he is desperate for this new contract. Whether he will actually get it remains to be seen. As things stand, the club have not changed their position, despite his inspired performances this term.

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