Rousing the Kop

£35m Liverpool player could be about to remove any doubts about his Anfield future today - opinion

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.


Alexis Mac Allister vs Elliot Anderson: Why Argentine's Contract Should Remain Liverpool's Priority

Liverpool face critical midfield contract decisions as Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai—all signed in 2023—approach the end of their current deals. Amid speculation of a Manchester United raid, the article argues Mac Allister's renewal must take precedence over interest in Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson[7].



Mac Allister's Value Amid Form Struggles

The 27-year-old World Cup winner has contributed 17 goals and 17 assists in 132 appearances since his £35m arrival from Brighton[1][3]. Despite a dip this season—struggling for consistency under Arne Slot and competing with Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones—his father's recent comments affirm loyalty: "Alexis is only thinking about Liverpool... We are waiting for an offer to renew his contract"[1][6]. Contracted until 2028, Mac Allister expressed frustration over Liverpool's title defense slip but remains committed[1].

Man United's Audacious Interest

Reports claim Sir Jim Ratcliffe eyes a shock £55m+ swoop, with United monitoring amid Liverpool's sixth-place woes[2][3][4][5]. However, rival transfers are rare—last direct move was 1964—and ESPN deems it a "nonstarter"[5]. Liverpool's hefty summer spending hasn't yielded consistency, fueling exit rumors alongside departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez[5].

Why Prioritize Mac Allister Over Anderson?

Elliot Anderson, 23, has impressed at Forest with versatility, but lacks Mac Allister's proven elite pedigree, international acclaim, and Anfield impact[2][5]. The article stresses retaining the Argentine's vision, work rate, and leadership as Slot rebuilds, warning cashing in risks squad instability. With United also eyeing Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, Liverpool must act swiftly on a new deal to quash doubts and secure their midfield core[2][5][7].

Renewing Mac Allister signals ambition, preserving Liverpool's edge over rivals[7].