Mac Allister's Champions League double fuels fight after Liverpool deny new deal

Under the bright lights of Anfield, Alexis Mac Allister rose above a corner at the 35th minute to head Liverpool’s second goal in a thrilling 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal. The Argentine midfielder, 27, celebrated the strike with a roar that echoed his frustration over the club’s decision not to renew his contract, which runs until mid‑2028.

Double strike lifts Liverpool in Champions League

Mac Allister had warned a month and a half earlier that Liverpool would not offer a new deal, a statement that left him “very sad”. Yet he answered with a brace: the first header arrived at 35 minutes to make it 1‑2, and after Araújo’s equaliser before halftime, he netted the go‑ahead goal at the 20th minute of the second half from a Ngumoha cross. “Me pone muy triste…”, he admitted, before adding that he will keep giving “the 100 %”.

Stats, titles and contract crossroads

Since joining Liverpool in mid‑2023 from Brighton, the former Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors product has featured in 161 matches, scoring 23 times and providing 21 assists. He has already lifted the Premier League 2024/25 and the League Cup 2024, underscoring his contribution to a successful period.

This season he has already found the net four times in eleven games, three of those against the “Submarino Amarillo” – Villarreal – and one in a 2‑1 win over Atlético Madrid. The goal against Villarreal came the day after he learned of the contract decision, highlighting his resolve.

While his contract runs to mid‑2028, the lack of an extension could allow a move next year, risking Liverpool losing him on a free transfer. Teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have already secured extensions, yet the club’s stance on Mac Allister remains unchanged.

In the interview published by Olé, Mac Allister praised the arrival of Andoni Iraola as head coach, saying, “From day one I saw something. He’s a good guy and the staff are too. We are heading the right way but must work hard to win trophies.” He added that the new tactical approach now demands more one‑on‑one battles and less verbal communication on the pitch.

Looking ahead, the Argentine midfielder says his future at Liverpool is still undecided, but he will let his performances speak. The double against Villarreal not only secured three points but also reaffirmed his commitment to the club despite the contractual uncertainty.