Liverpool's contract dilemma: Mac Allister's future hangs in balance

Liverpool are at a crossroads as they evaluate the future of Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, whose five‑year deal runs until the 2025‑26 season and still has two years left. The Reds need to decide whether to extend the Argentine international’s contract after his pivotal role in the 2025 Premier League title under Dutchman Arne Slot. Mac's midfield balance was credited as a key factor in securing that trophy, and Liverpool pursued Allister specifically for the stability he provided in the centre of the pitch. His influence helped the Reds clinch the Premier League crown in 2025. The following 2025‑26 campaign fell below expectations, hampered by early‑season injuries and a dip in form. Mac Allister himself admitted the season was a disappointment compared with the previous year.

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Allister remains on the five‑year deal signed in the summer of 2023, but there are currently no talks over a new contract. By contrast, Dominik Szoboszlai, whose contract runs until 2028, is already in discussions about a fresh agreement. If Liverpool do not plan a renewal, the club may have to consider offers this summer, especially as the market value of midfielders is rising. A similar dilemma arose when Liverpool let Luis Diaz leave for Bayern Munich last summer, underscoring the financial stakes involved. Mac was famously close to Jurgen Klopp, with a World Cup clip showing the pair hugging and Mac handing Klopp his shirt, illustrating the warmth of their relationship. He described Arne Slot as the "perfect bridge" after Klopp’s departure, telling the Players' Tribune in August 2025: "It's not just football. This is not just a club – it's our family, it's our memories, it's our legacy… and we have to cherish it, because we don't know how long it will last." Crucial to his next steps will be his relationship with Andoni Iraola, the Spaniard now tasked with getting the best out of him. Both parties hope last season was merely a blip and that more memories will be made at Anfield. Getty Images captured a nostalgic clip of Mac celebrating the title, while a separate shot of him sitting alone on the bench and beginning to cry highlighted his emotional connection. The footage was shared under the tag Images] and Images on social media.