Iraola Urges Mac Allister and Alisson to Stay at Liverpool

Iraola Urges Mac Allister and Alisson to Stay at Liverpool

Liverpool Wants Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson to Stay

Mac Allister’s Contract Situation

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has made it clear that midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is central to his plans. The Argentina international still has two years left on the five‑year deal he signed when joining the Reds in 2023. No discussions on a new contract have begun, fuelling speculation that the 27‑year‑old could leave Anfield this summer. Iraola praised Mac Allister as one of the club’s best performers over the past few seasons, noting his strong World Cup showing made him attractive to other clubs. “I think Alexis has been one of the best players at the club for the last few years, and he has had a very good World Cup, so it is normal that other clubs want our best players,” he said. The manager added that his preference is to retain his good players rather than lose them, focusing on adding talent while keeping the existing core.

Alisson’s Future and Experience Factor

Goalkeeper Alisson also remains in Liverpool’s plans despite a year left on his contract at Anfield. The Brazil shot‑stopper has been linked with a move to Juventus, but Iraola is eager to count on his experience for the upcoming campaign. The Reds manager highlighted Alisson as a vital reference point in a dressing room that is losing seasoned figures. “Alisson is someone also in a changing room that has lost some references in terms of experience, I think he’s someone that definitely will help us in this process of adaptation of the new signings, of the new players, the young players,” Iraola explained. He also pointed to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez as other long‑term fixtures who provide stability. Keeping Alisson aligns with Liverpool’s aim to maintain senior leadership amid a squad overhaul.

Defensive Shortfalls and Right‑Back Concerns

Iraola acknowledged that defensive depth is a priority, especially at right‑back, after Conor Bradley’s season‑ending knee injury in January. The Northern Ireland international’s recovery is measured in months, leaving a gap that Liverpool must fill before the new term. “If you have a fully fit, healthy Conor Bradley, we are very happy, ready to go and we would not be asking ourselves these questions,” the Spaniard said of the situation. The manager described the current defensive lineup as “very thin” and stressed the need for a solution during the summer transfer window. Bradley remains a key long‑term asset, but his absence forces the club to scout alternatives to shore up the back four.

What It Means for Liverpool’s Season

Retaining Mac Allister and Alisson signals Liverpool’s intent to build around proven midfield creativity and a veteran goalkeeper as they prepare for a competitive Premier League campaign. The club’s recent track record shows that losing key figures can disrupt momentum, so locking down these two assets provides a stable foundation. Even with a busy summer window expected for new signings, maintaining internal continuity is viewed as essential for midfield balance and goal‑keeping reliability. Iraola’s emphasis on keeping “good players” while also addressing defensive needs reflects a balanced approach to squad building. Fans and analysts will watch whether Liverpool can turn this defensive surgery into a strengthened backline that supports their title ambitions.

  • Alexis Mac Allister – Midfielder, two years left on five‑year contract (signed 2023)
  • Alisson Becker – Goalkeeper, one year remaining, linked to Juventus
  • Virgil van Dijk – Centre‑back, experienced reference player
  • Joe Gomez – Defender, long‑serving squad member
  • Conor Bradley – Right‑back, months away after knee injury sustained in January


Content Credit: This article was originally published on
sports.yahoo.com.

Image Credit: Featured image and media assets sourced directly from the original publisher.
View Original Image.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *