Alexis Mac Allister’s father has played down suggestions that the Liverpool midfielder is unhappy at Anfield amid the club’s decision not to open talks over a new contract this summer.
The 27-year-old's current deal keeps him at Anfield until 2028, but at a press conference before Liverpool’s opening fixture in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, the Argentine made a public expression of disappointment that no discussion over fresh terms had taken place.
The midfielder admitted he was “very sad” when asked about his contract situation, making the admission that he had “options to leave” in the summer.
Both Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch were rewarded with new contracts this summer, compounding the Argentine's disappointment about not being approached to negotiate his own deal.
However, his father has now insisted that Liverpool are entitled to decide when they want to begin negotiations and has dismissed any suggestion that the situation has caused a rift between the player and the club.
Speaking to 365 Scores, Carlos Mac Allister confirmed that Liverpool have yet to contact the family regarding a new contact.
“No-one from Liverpool’s management has contacted us to renew [Alexis]’ contract yet”
“We have a contract that is valid and we are committed to it with Liverpool, and if the club does not renew the contract, it is their right”
The comments offer a more measured response to the situation following the press conference from the Argentine international last week.
“For now, Alexis has to give his best for the club in every game over the weekend. [He] is not disappointed. This is a decision that the club makes, and we don’t judge their decisions, we just prepare for what’s to come”
Mac Allister’s comments about his future last week also revealed that there had been an opportunity, if not several, for an Anfield departure.
Several rumours had linked the former Brighton man to Real Madrid this summer.
However, Carlos Mac Allister has dismissed suggestions that the Spanish giants had made contact over his son.
"No-one from Real Madrid has contacted us at any point in the entire career of Alexis”
For Liverpool, the immediate focus will therefore remain on the Argentine’s performances rather than his contract situation.
The midfielder has made an impressive start to the campaign and has scored in each of his last two starts for Andoni Iraola’s side.
That kind of start could represent a fresh start following a poor campaign from Liverpool’s no.10 last season, which could be the main reason the club didn’t push to negotiate a new deal.
Mac Allister was a key part of an Arne Slot midfield that didn’t always look assured in their roles and left gaping holes in transitional periods of play.
In the opening games of this season, the 27-year-old has re-established himself as an important part of Liverpool’s midfield and will hope to continue that form when the unbeaten Reds travel to face Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.
And with Mac Allister continuing to make an impact on the pitch, his performances could remain the biggest talking point until Liverpool decide the time is right to discuss his future.
For now, the Argentine will have to do his negotiating on the pitch.
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