Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed his intent to retain midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and goalkeeper Alisson Becker for the upcoming season. Despite external transfer speculation surrounding both players, Iraola stated during a pre-season press conference in Chicago that he views them as essential “references” for the squad’s ongoing transition and development.
Retaining Core Talent Amid Transfer Market Pressure
Alexis Mac Allister, who joined Liverpool in 2023 on a five-year contract, has become the subject of exit rumors despite having two years remaining on his deal. While the Argentina international has not yet entered formal negotiations for an extension, Iraola remains firm on his stance.
“I think Alexis has been one of the best players at the club for the last few years,” Iraola said. “It is normal that other clubs want our best players, but I want to keep my good players.” The manager emphasized that his primary focus is on bringing in new reinforcements rather than allowing current key contributors to depart.
The Strategic Value of Experience in Goal
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, 33, has been linked with a move to Juventus as he enters the final year of his current contract. Iraola dismissed the necessity of a change in that position, citing the Brazilian’s influence on the team’s younger signings.
“I’m very happy with the situation we have right now in the goalkeeping area,” Iraola explained. He noted that the dressing room has lost several long-term figures, making Alisson’s presence vital for the adaptation of new arrivals. Alongside Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, Alisson is viewed by the manager as a cornerstone for maintaining continuity.
Addressing Defensive Depth Concerns
Iraola identified defensive reinforcements as a priority for the summer window, specifically citing a shortage of depth at right-back. This is largely due to the injury status of Conor Bradley, who sustained a knee issue in January and remains months away from a full return to action.
The manager conceded the current situation is “tricky” because the club trusts Bradley as the long-term solution at right-back, but the player’s unavailability creates a gap for the start of the season. “With the centre-back, with the right-back situation, in terms of defensive depth, we are very thin right now,” Iraola stated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexis Mac Allister leaving Liverpool this summer?
No. Manager Andoni Iraola has explicitly stated he wants to keep the midfielder at the club, noting that interest from other teams is a normal occurrence for top-performing players.
What is the status of Alisson Becker’s contract?
Alisson has one year remaining on his current deal. Despite rumors linking him to Juventus, Iraola has expressed satisfaction with his goalkeeping situation and expects Alisson to play a key role in mentoring younger players.
Why is Liverpool looking for defensive reinforcements?
The club is currently thin on defensive depth, exacerbated by Conor Bradley’s ongoing recovery from a knee injury sustained in January. Iraola has confirmed the club is working to find solutions in the transfer market to address this shortage.
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