Liverpool win transfer race to sign World Cup winner, willing to offer £70 million to complete signing - Reports
Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for around £70 million this summer, according to Argentinian television channel TyC Sports.
The midfield has long been identified as a major pain area for Liverpool. Many believe that not strengthening the position has played a part in Jurgen Klopp's side struggling to meet their usual standards this season. The Reds have been knocked out of all cup competitions and are likely to miss out on UEFA Champions League next term, as they're fifth in the Premier League.
The imminent departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are set to weaken Liverpool's midfield further. There's no suggestion that the English giants will make Arthur Melo's loan move from Juventus permanent.
Hence, the Reds are expected to make major additions to their midfield this summer. They have been linked with several players, with Brighton's Mac Allister said to be a priority.
It appears Liverpool are edging closer to sealing their first signing of the summer. According to the aforementioned source, an agreement is in place for Mac Allister to move to Anfield. Mac Allister is also the subject of interest from other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea. However, Klopp's side have reportedly won the race to sign the Argentina international.
Brighton will receive a fee in the region of £70 million for the midfielder's sale, as per the report. Mac Allister, meanwhile, will put pen to paper on a multi-year deal with Liverpool
Mac Allister joined the Seagulls from Argentinian club Argentinos Juniors for £7 million in January 2021. He established himself as a key player for the English club after spending five more months with his previous club and a loan stint with Boca Juniors.
The Santa Rosa-born midfielder has bagged 20 goals and eight assists in 109 appearances across competitions for Brighton. He has also played 16 games for Argentina, with six of those appearances coming at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Mac Allister helped La Albiceleste win the World Cup in Qatar, starting all but one of their seven games. He scored his first goal for Argentina in their 2-0 win against Poland in the group stage. The 24-year-old also provided the assist for Angel Di Maria's goal against France in the final, which Lionel Scaloni's side won 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time.
How did Liverpool target Alexis Mac Allister fare in his last start for Brighton?
Brighton suffered a 4-1 against Newcastle United in their last Premier League game. However, Alexis Mac Allister started on the bench. The Argentinian's last start for the club came in their impressive 3-0 win against Arsenal on May 14.
Mac Allister completed 45 of the 56 passes he played against the Gunners. He also won five of ten duels he attempted. The midfielder played one long ball, too.
The former Boca Juniors loanee registered 65 touches, which was the fourth-best tally across both teams. Despite mostly playing as an attacking midfielder, he showed his defensive prowess, making three tackles. Mac Allister, though, lost possession 13 times, which was the sixth-worst record in the game.