Liverpool have signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton in a deal worth up to £55million.
The Argentina World Cup-winner becomes the Reds' first signing of the summer and will wear the no.10 shirt.
Mac Allister, 24, scored ten goals and registered two assists in the 2022/23 Premier League season, helping Brighton qualify for the Europa League.
It is understood an initial £35m will be paid, with £20m of add-ons.
“It feels amazing. It’s a dream come true, it’s amazing to be here and I can’t wait to get started," he told the Liverpool website.
“I wanted to be in [from] the first day of pre-season, so it’s good that everything is done. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates.
“It was a fantastic year for me – World Cup, what we achieved with Brighton – but now it’s time to think about Liverpool and try to be a better player and a better human being every day.”
Mac Allister made his Premier League debut in March 2020, having arrived in England from Argentinos Juniors and returning to his native Argentina on loan with Boca Juniors.
Signing off from Brighton, he told Seagulls' fans in a lengthy farewell: "It’s time to say goodbye to the club that opened the doors for me and gave me such amazing moments. I never thought I was going to live what I have lived in these three and a half years, but this club gave me that opportunity and I’ll be forever grateful.
"I’d like to thank every person who was part in this journey, [Owner] Tony Bloom, [CEO] Paul Barber and managers, Graham and Roberto with all their staff; and most importantly, the players, so beautiful memories and so much learnt from them! And everybody who works at the club, who are the least seen, but who work the hardest, so we can enjoy everyday, and the team can achieve big goals. Finally, a special mention to all the fans, your support and respect during this time have been incredible. As well as your welcome after the World Cup, I will never forget it!
"I don’t have any doubts that this team is going to achieve many important things, because they have the football skills and human quality to do it. I’ll always watch you and support you (except when I play against you!"
In taking the no.10, he is following in the footsteps of Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Michael Owen.
"I’ve played almost in every position! And I think the managers who worked with me know that I can do it everywhere if they need me," he added.
“As a player, I’m a player who tries to play as simple as possible, I try to help my teammates defensively or attacking. That’s the most important thing and I’m a team player and I will try to bring that to this club.”
Mac Allister has played against Liverpool twice at Anfield, drawing in each of them and singled out his new fans for praise.
"I have to say that I’ve got very good memories at Anfield – but hopefully the ones coming will be even better.
“I played for Boca Juniors and I feel like Liverpool is that kind of team where the fans are supporting the whole game. I’m really looking forward to playing in front of our fans and showing what we can do.”
Liverpool will be in Singapore for their pre-season training, playing against Championship side Leicester and Bundesliga giants Bayern
SOURCE: talkSPORT.
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