Liverpool sign Mac Allister from Brighton to begin rebuild
Liverpool have signed world champion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, the club announced on Thursday.
Mac Allister, 24, joins the Merseyside club as Jurgen Klopp’s first signing before a busy transfer window is expected. The club would like to improve on their fifth place in the 2022/23 season.
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Sources told ESPN that the midfielder has signed a contract at Anfield until 2028.
The Argentine midfielder was a key figure for Brighton, contributing 12 goals and three assists in a season that saw the club secure Europa League qualification for the first time.
ESPN reported on Monday that Liverpool were looking to finalize a deal with the 24-year-old before he joins his national team ahead of June 15 friendly against Australia in China.
Mac Allister also impressed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he started all but one of Argentina’s games and won the competition for the first time since 1986. The midfielder scored in his side’s 2-0 group stage win against Poland.
“It feels great. It’s a dream come true, it’s great to be here and I can’t wait to get started.” said the club’s website.
“I wanted to be there [from] It’s the first day of preseason, so it’s good that everything is settled. I’m looking forward to getting to know my teammates.
“It’s been a fantastic year for me – the 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 person every day.”
Sources told ESPN in April that Liverpool were ending their lengthy search for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham and instead providing funds to help rebuild the squad after Liverpool missed out on Champions League football for the first time since the 2015/16 season have.
The club have already announced the departures of midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita, as well as Roberto Firmino, who is leaving Anfield after eight seasons at the club.
Mac Allister’s signing is the first act under new sporting director Jörg Schmadtke, who joined the club after previously working with Wolfsburg, Cologne and Hannover.
Sources have told ESPN that Liverpool are also still interested in Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Manu Kone.
