Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has openly voiced his profound disappointment after learning that 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 "options to leave" and that the news has left him "very, very sad." In a pre‑match press conference ahead of Liverpool's Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid, Mac Allister explained the situation: "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 emphasized his commitment, adding that he gives "100 per cent" every day in training and matches, regardless of whether his performances are good or poor.
The midfielder also praised his teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, who have both secured long‑term extensions this year. "I’m happy for them, they deserve it, but it also makes me a little sad that I didn’t get mine," he said, underscoring the mixed emotions he feels watching his peers sign new deals while his own future remains uncertain. When asked whether negotiations were still ongoing, Mac Allister gave a cautious reply: "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 noted that the club communicated the decision primarily through his agent rather than directly with him, saying, "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." Despite the disappointment, Mac Allister reiterated his love for Liverpool, the city, and the supporters. "Because this is the right club.
I love being here, and this is something special. I love this club, I love being here, 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 affirmed.
He also addressed speculation about a potential move to Manchester City, confirming that while interest existed, he chose to stay because he believes Liverpool is still the best environment for his career. "There were opportunities, but I stayed because Liverpool, in my mind, remains the right club for me and one that I am fully committed to, whatever the contract situation," he explained.
Mac Allister has featured in Liverpool's recent league fixtures, starting in a home draw against Nottingham Forest and a subsequent victory over Ipswich Town that helped new manager Andoni Iraola begin his tenure unbeaten. When asked about his relationship with Iraola, Mac Allister said he had not yet discussed his contract with the Spaniard but praised the coach’s 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 very well what he wants to do, and we are trying to get there. 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," he noted. Iraola, for his part, described Mac Allister as an "important" player and emphasized 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. We haven’t been together a long time but 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 said.
He added, "I am very happy with his performances – he played really well on Friday [at Ipswich] and I hope I can help him to still improve. He is a very experienced player who has already achieved massive things, but I hope I can help him in his development as a player and then everything goes well then those problems will definitely be solved." Mac Allister reflected on his achievements with Liverpool, highlighting the 2024/25 Premier League title and the Carabao Cup win from the previous season. When asked if he feels any pressure to prove himself amid contract doubts, the World Cup‑winning midfielder 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 went through difficult times; 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." Statistical analysis from data provider Gradient indicates that Mac Allister’s overall quality ratings have slipped season on season since his arrival, with a notable decline in defensive metrics that once placed him among Europe’s elite midfielders.
Opta data also shows a reduction in his per‑90‑minute output, suggesting a dip in both quantity and impact of his actions. Commentary from Sky Sports' Vinny O'Connor captured the sentiment surrounding the situation: "No scapegoating, no talk of anyone being thrown under the bus – just genuine upset that he’s the odd one out.
Alexis Mac Allister is the only one of Liverpool’s ‘first‑choice’ title‑winning midfield trio from 2025 to be told the club is not in a position to offer new terms. In the last six months, Ryan Gravenberch has signed up until 2032 while Dominik Szoboszlai has committed until 2031.
Mac Allister says he’s happy for them, they deserve it, but, reading between the lines, he’s asking the question as to why there is nothing on the table for him?" The analysis continues, noting that while Mac Allister has been linked with a move to Manchester City and faced interest from other clubs during the summer, he remains committed to Liverpool, believing the club still offers the best platform for his growth. "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. Looking ahead, both player and manager appear optimistic that a resolution can be reached.
Iraola’s reassurance that “there is still a lot of time to talk about these contract situations” suggests that negotiations may continue throughout the season, with Mac Allister’s performances potentially influencing the final outcome. For now, the Argentine remains focused on giving his all for Liverpool, hoping that his dedication on the pitch will eventually translate into a renewed agreement off it.