Liverpool have completed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for an undisclosed fee.
The Argentina international, who will wear Liverpool’s number 10 shirt, has signed a five-year deal after being allowed to undergo a medical on Tuesday.
Mac Allister told Liverpoolfc.com: “It feels great. It’s a dream come true, it’s great to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I wanted to be there from day one of the pre-season, 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.”
“Ever since I won the World Cup I’ve said I want to win more trophies and I think this club will help me to do that – that’s the aim and when you’re at a big club like this you have to have trophies win.” Well, that’s what I want.
“Ever since I got here I can see how big this club is – the players we have, the staff, everyone. I’m really happy and looking forward to playing for this club.”
The Athletic revealed last month that Mac Allister’s contract signed last October until 2025 with an option for a further year at Brighton included a mechanism designed to facilitate a move for the 24-year-old.
Liverpool agreed a deal with the south coast club earlier this week after positive talks with players’ representatives.
Despite Liverpool failing to qualify for the Champions League, Mac Allister was keen to play for Jurgen Klopp.
Mac Allister, who scored 12 goals and registered three assists in 40 appearances for Brighton last season, became Liverpool’s top priority for the summer window after they dropped out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in April.
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It caps a remarkable season for the former Argentinos Juniors midfielder, who won the World Cup in Qatar and then helped Roberto De Zerbi’s side secure European football for the first time with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
De Zerbi said of Mac Allister’s departure: “I’m proud to have been Alexis’ coach; he is a very talented player. It has also been a privilege to work with a man who has strong and traditional values and I wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom added: “We are incredibly proud of Alexis and sad to see him go.” He has achieved something very special: becoming the first Brighton & Hove Albion player to win the World Cup and was a key player in our best season ever.
“He will always be welcome here at the Amex and in town. On behalf of all Albion fans I would like to thank Alexis for the many great memories and great performances in the Brighton shirt and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”
Mahmoud Dahoud will be one of those set to replace him for Brighton, with a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund soon to be confirmed, while James Milner will take the other route when his contract expires after eight years at Anfield.
The underpinnings of the deal were led by outgoing sporting director Julian Ward and the club’s football operations team, before Ward recently left the club. Jörg Schmadtke took office on June 1st.
Senior Anfield players have a long-standing relationship with Mac Allister’s agent Juan Gemelli, whose South American player base includes Renan Lodi, Alex Sandro and Allan. Gemelli was one of the representatives involved in the January 2013 transfer of Philippe Coutinho from Inter to Liverpool.
Liverpool believe Mac Allister’s age (24) and career appearances (160) fits the demographic of some of the club’s most successful signings in modern times, such as Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk.
He was identified as a prime target for the summer ahead of the World Cup and his performances for Brighton only reinforced Klopp’s admiration for his versatility and playing intelligence.
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What will Mac Allister bring to Liverpool?
Analysis by Mark Carey
Mac Allister has made himself indispensable as a central midfielder at Brighton. His ability to hold the ball, dodge his immediate opponent and build up attacks are among his greatest strengths.
He often pushes into gaps between the lines and tries to play in the ranks in front of him and his relationship with Moises Caicedo has been one of the strongest in the Premier League this season.
While Mac Allister has the stamina to actively press when Brighton loses the ball, he’s less of a ball winner than Caicedo and has room for improvement when defending in a more organized block.
Still, it’s what he offers on the ball that appeals to him the most. Defensive midfield, central midfield, attacking midfield – wherever you use him, he will still offer you his playing skills.
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(Photo: Getty Images)