Iraola Sends a Clear Message: Mac Allister Stays, Liverpool Builds
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has shut down speculation linking Alexis Mac Allister with a move to Real Madrid, insisting the Argentine midfielder is central to the club's plans. Speaking from Chicago as the Reds began a three-game pre-season tour, Iraola made it clear that the club is focused on strengthening, not selling.
What did Iraola say about Mac Allister?
Reports in South America suggested Mac Allister, whose contract runs until 2028, was eyeing a €100m (£85m) switch to the Bernabéu. Iraola dismissed the talk outright.
“Alexis has been one of the best players of the club in the last three years. He has had a very good World Cup and it is normal that other clubs want our best players. But I want to keep my good players.”The Basque coach pointed to Dominik Szoboszlai’s recent contract extension as a sign of the club’s ambition, adding: “Probably I'm looking forward more to signing new players to the good ones we have here already.”
How is Liverpool’s squad shaping up?
Liverpool are prioritising the signing of a right-winger, with the transfer market expected to pick up after the World Cup. Iraola confirmed that Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch are due to join the squad next week, potentially featuring in the friendly against Wrexham in New York on July 30. The pressure is on Isak and Wirtz to deliver this season.
World Cup players Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Alisson Becker will return to training next Monday, but will stay at Liverpool’s AXA training ground rather than travel to the US. Iraola confirmed Alisson remains his No 1, despite earlier links to Juventus.
What about the injured players?
Injury concerns persist. Iraola revealed that Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley are unlikely to play again this calendar year, while Giovanni Leoni, who ruptured his cruciate ligament on his debut last September, is still not in full training.
“The three that you said are big, big injuries. It's taken them months to recover. With the others, we'll have to wait more.”Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo are close to returning to partial training during the tour.
Why does this matter for Irish football fans?
For supporters who follow the Premier League closely, Liverpool’s stability is a sign of a club that knows its direction. Iraola’s refusal to be drawn into transfer drama reflects a grounded, no-nonsense approach. It’s a reminder that, even in the glitzy world of modern football, some clubs still build from within.
Liverpool face Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday to kick off their pre-season campaign.