Liverpool’s midfield dynamo Alexis Mac Allister has openly admitted that he feels "very sad" after learning the club will not be offering him a fresh contract this summer. The 27‑year‑old Argentine, who still has two years remaining on the deal he signed when he arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2023, said he now faces the prospect of leaving the club despite his desire to stay. During a pre‑match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid, Mac Allister explained that there had been a realistic chance he could have departed during the summer transfer window. "As everyone knows, I received the news that the club was not in a position to offer me a new contract, which makes me very, very sad," he told reporters.
He went on to stress that his commitment to the Reds remains absolute, adding that he will continue to give "100 per cent" for the team until his final day at the stadium. Mac Allister’s disappointment comes at a time when two of his fellow midfielders, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, have both secured long‑term extensions this year. While he expressed genuine happiness for their new deals – "they deserve it" – he could not hide the sting of being left out of that group. "Seeing Dominik and Ryan renew their contracts makes me very happy because they deserve it, but at the same time it makes me a little bit sad that I didn't get mine," he said.
When asked whether negotiations for a new deal were still ongoing, the midfielder gave a cautious answer: "Maybe. I don't know. It's going to depend on how I perform during this year. They are right to make the decision as well, but hopefully they change their minds." He clarified that he had not received a direct explanation from the club; instead, the news was communicated through his agent.
"I don't want to say things they never said, but what I got from my agent was that they were not in a position to renew me," he explained. The Argentine also addressed the speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City over the summer.
He dismissed the notion that he would leave Anfield, insisting that Liverpool remains "the right club" for him. "I love being here, this is something special. I love this club, I love the fans.
As a player, you can be at a club for a long, long time and you don't really realise where you are – that doesn't happen to me," he said, emphasizing his affection for the city and its supporters. Mac Allister has featured in Liverpool’s recent league fixtures, starting in a 1‑1 draw against Nottingham Forest and playing a part in the 2‑1 victory over Ipswich Town that gave new manager Andoni Iraola an unbeaten start. Despite his on‑field involvement, he admitted he has not yet discussed his future with the Spaniard. "I haven't had any conversations with him about it," he confirmed.
However, he praised Iraola’s vision and work ethic, stating that the coach’s ideas could lead to a successful season. "When I see the way he wants us to play and train, I think this can be a successful season, so that's why I think this is the right club and the right moment to be here," Mac Allister added. Iraola, for his part, described Mac Allister as an "important" player and reassured fans that there is still ample time to resolve the contract situation.
"We all have personal situations with different contracts. The important thing is he wants to be here and continue here," he told a press conference.
"He has been an important player and I rate him very highly. Definitely there is still a lot of time to talk about those contract situations." The manager also highlighted Mac Allister’s recent performances, noting his strong showing against Ipswich. "I am very happy with his performances – he played really well on Friday and I hope I can help him to still improve," Iraola said.
He expressed confidence that, with continued development, the contractual impasse could be settled. Mac Allister’s contributions to Liverpool’s recent success are undeniable.
He was a key figure in the side that clinched the 2024/25 Premier League title and also helped the club lift the Carabao Cup the previous season. When asked whether he feels any pressure to prove himself amid the contract uncertainty, the World Cup‑winning midfielder replied that he does not need to prove anything new.
"I’m always the same guy and player, and I’m not going to change. In these three years at the club I’ve done very good things – we won a Premier League, we won a Carabao Cup, so for me it’s a very successful period of my life," he said. He added that his focus remains on delivering his best level of performance for the team.
Statistical analysis from data provider Gradient shows that Mac Allister’s overall quality ratings have slipped slightly season on season since his arrival, with a noticeable decline in defensive metrics. Opta data also points to a reduction in his per‑90‑minute output, suggesting a dip in both quantity and impact of his actions on the pitch. Despite these numbers, both the player and his manager maintain that his experience and skill set remain valuable assets for Liverpool. Commentators such as Sky Sports’ Vinny O'Connor note the irony of Mac Allister speaking before a high‑profile match against Atlético Madrid – a club that has been linked with a potential move for him – and the ongoing interest from Manchester City during the summer.
O'Connor observes that while Mac Allister appears content with his current situation, the lack of a new contract raises questions about the club’s long‑term plans for him. "He freely admitted he could have gone.
There were opportunities. But he stayed because Liverpool, in his mind, remains the right club for him and one that he is fully committed to, whatever the contract situation," O'Connor wrote. In summary, Alexis Mac Allister is navigating a delicate period in his Liverpool career.
He remains emotionally attached to the club, appreciative of the fans, and eager to contribute on the field, yet he faces the disappointment of not receiving a new contract while his teammates have secured theirs. The coming months will determine whether a renewed agreement can be reached, or whether the Argentine midfielder will eventually seek a new challenge elsewhere, possibly at one of the clubs that have already expressed interest in his services.