Alexis Mac Allister's Liverpool Future in Limbo Amid World Cup Focus

Alexis Mac Allister’s Liverpool future has slipped into that awkward grey area the club usually works hard to avoid.

While Dominik Szoboszlai discusses fresh terms and Ryan Gravenberch has already signed on again, Mac Allister – one of the pillars of Liverpool’s recent title win – has not even entered talks over a new deal.

All this, with a World Cup semi-final on his plate.

World Cup focus, club questions

Right now, Mac Allister is locked into Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign and is expected to start against England in the semi-finals. At 27, he stands in the sweet spot of his career: old enough to carry responsibility, young enough to attract the biggest clubs in Europe.

He joined Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023 for £35m and quickly became central to Arne Slot’s first season in charge, helping drive the Reds to the Premier League title. His influence was clear, his technical quality undeniable.

Then came last season. His form tailed off, his performances no longer quite matching the standard he had set. The drop-off did not erase his importance, but it did complicate the conversation about what comes next.

No talks, no movement – but no exit either

According to BBC Sport, there are currently no contract talks between Liverpool and Mac Allister, despite the midfielder having two years left on his existing deal, which runs to 2028.

That alone would raise eyebrows at Anfield. This is usually the window when Liverpool act: extend or prepare to sell. With Mac Allister, they are doing neither.

He has been repeatedly linked with Real Madrid, his profile and style a natural fit for the European champions, yet those links have never moved beyond speculation. No agreement, no negotiations, no concrete progress.

The same report states he is not in discussions with any other club over a potential transfer. For now, everything is on pause.

Contract contrasts at Anfield

The contrast inside Liverpool’s own midfield department is striking.

Szoboszlai, whose contract also runs to 2028, is reportedly already in talks over improved terms. Gravenberch put pen to paper on a new deal in May, a clear show of faith from the club in his long-term value.

Mac Allister, by comparison, waits.

Curtis Jones sits in a different kind of uncertainty. Inter Milan have pushed hard, seeing multiple bids rejected, including a third offer that Liverpool have again turned down. His situation has been noisy, public, and active.

Mac Allister’s is quiet. No bids. No talks. Just a high-level player with two years left and a club that has not yet made its move.

Iraola’s call

The arrival of Andoni Iraola adds another layer. Liverpool are believed to be ready to watch how Mac Allister performs under their new head coach before making a definitive decision on his long-term future.

It is a calculated stance. If Iraola unlocks the version of Mac Allister that dominated Slot’s title-winning campaign, Liverpool hold a midfielder worth building around – and worth rewarding. If the inconsistency of last season lingers, the club retains the option to reassess with one year left and a still-valuable asset.

For now, the midfielder’s future sits in a holding pattern, framed by a World Cup semi-final and a new era at Anfield. The next decisive touch may not come in a boardroom, but on the pitch – and Iraola will be watching closely.