Liverpool’s midfield maestro Alexis Mac Allister has openly admitted that he feels "very sad" after learning the club will not be offering him a fresh contract at this stage. The 27‑year‑old Argentine, who joined Anfield in the summer of 2023 on a deal that still has two years remaining, said the news left him disappointed and forced him to confront the reality that he could have options to depart during the summer transfer window.
During a pre‑match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Mac Allister explained, "There was a chance I could have left the club in the summer. 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 went on to stress that his commitment to the Reds remains unwavering, adding that he gives "100 per cent" every day in training and matches, regardless of whether his performances are stellar or sub‑par. The midfielder’s disappointment is amplified by the fact that two of his fellow midfield partners, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, secured long‑term extensions earlier this season. "I’m happy for Dominik and Ryan because they deserve it, but it also makes me a little sad that I didn’t get mine," Mac Allister said, underscoring the mixed emotions he feels watching his teammates sign new deals.
When asked whether negotiations for a fresh contract were ongoing, he gave a cautious reply: "Maybe. I don’t know.
It will 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 the club’s communication had come through his agent rather than directly to him, noting, "There wasn’t any direct conversation with me – it was with my 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." Mac Allister also addressed speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City, explaining that his loyalty to Liverpool stems from a genuine love for the club and its supporters. "Because this is the right club.
I love being here, and 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. I know very well that this is an amazing club, that this city has something very special and I love being here," he said.
On the pitch, Mac Allister has featured in Liverpool’s most recent league fixtures, helping the side to a draw against Nottingham Forest and a win over Ipswich Town, the latter giving new manager Andoni Iraola an unbeaten start. Despite his involvement, the Argentine admitted he has not yet spoken to Iraola about his future, though he praised the Spaniard’s tactical vision. "Since I’ve come to pre‑season and worked under Andoni, I could see something special. He’s a really good coach.
He knows exactly what he wants to do, and we are trying to get there," Mac Allister explained. Iraola, for his part, described Mac Allister as an "important" player and insisted 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 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 told reporters. Statistically, Mac Allister’s metrics have shown a slight dip since his arrival, with data from Gradient indicating a reduction in defensive contributions and overall quality ratings. Opta’s per‑90‑minute figures also suggest a modest decline in output, a fact that has not escaped the media narrative surrounding his contract talks.
Analyst Vinny O’Connor of Sky Sports summed up the situation, noting the irony that Mac Allister is the only member of Liverpool’s title‑winning midfield trio from the 2024‑25 season who has not secured a new deal, while Gravenberch and Szoboszlai have already extended their stays until 2032 and 2031 respectively. O’Connor highlighted the player’s candidness, saying, "Mac Allister says he’s happy for them, they deserve it, but reading between the lines, he’s asking why there is nothing on the table for him." The Argentine also reflected on his achievements at Anfield, recalling the Premier League triumph and a Carabao Cup victory that have defined a successful period in his career.
When asked if he feels any pressure to prove himself, he replied, "Not really because I’m always the same guy and player, and I’m not going to change. I think 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.
I don’t think I have to prove something, but of course I have to show the level that I can perform, and hopefully that’s the case." In summary, while the lack of a new contract has left Mac Allister visibly upset, his statements suggest a continued commitment to Liverpool for the remainder of his existing deal. He remains focused on delivering his best performances for the Reds, hoping that his contributions on the field might eventually persuade the club to revisit his contractual situation.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Argentine will extend his Anfield chapter or seek a new challenge elsewhere.