Liverpool-Atlético: Mac Allister says he is “very sad” about no contract extension offer

Alexis Mac Allister expressed his disappointment after learning that Liverpool was unable to offer him a new contract. The Argentine midfielder spoke on Tuesday 8 September, on the eve of the Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid at Anfield.

Aged 27 years, the 2022 World Cup winner still has two years left on his contract with the Reds. According to Reuters, Liverpool told him that no extension could be offered at this stage, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have both extended their deals earlier this year.

“It makes me very, very sad,” Mac Allister admitted to reporters. The former Brighton player also confirmed that he had opportunities to leave Liverpool during the summer transfer window, without questioning his current commitment to the club.

The midfielder says he chose to stay at Anfield following the arrival of Andoni Iraola as manager. He believes Liverpool has the players and the mindset needed to achieve “something special” this season. The Spanish coach, for his part, emphasized that there is still time for the contract situation to evolve.

A strong statement ahead of Liverpool-Atlético

The statement comes ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League debut. The English club hosts Atlético Madrid this Wednesday 9 September at 21 hours at Anfield for the first matchday of the group stage. Liverpool confirmed that Mac Allister and Iraola took part together in the official pre-match press conference.

Despite his dissatisfaction, the Argentine international was keen to dismiss any notion of sporting disengagement. He says he wants to continue giving his all for Liverpool as long as he wears the red shirt, even though his medium-term future remains uncertain.

The meeting against Atlético immediately provides a sporting context for this statement. Liverpool wants to start their European campaign with a home win, while the Madrid side arrive at Anfield with several offensive uncertainties, including Diego Simeone’s decision not to start Julián Álvarez.