Mac Allister: Club told me I'm not in their renewal plans, but I still want to stay

According to Sport Witness, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has revealed that the club told him last season he was not part of their renewal plans, but he still hopes to remain at Anfield.

The 27-year-old Argentine midfielder has around 18 months left on his contract. He once again spoke publicly about what happened behind the scenes, how he reacted, and why he hasn't given up hope of staying. One detail is particularly noteworthy: Mac Allister said that Szoboszlai and Gravenberch were in similar contract situations at the time, yet Liverpool chose to renew their deals.

Mac Allister was asked about his future in an interview with Argentine journalist Gastón Edul. The host mentioned how much Liverpool fans want him to stay. He first thanked the Anfield supporters for their affection and then explained his contract situation.

On his contract

Mac Allister said: "First of all, I obviously feel the love of the fans, which is incredible for me. It's not easy to receive such affection at a club like Liverpool. I'm enjoying all of this, and winning the Premier League with this club is something very special that the fans won't forget."

"Right now, I have a year and a half left on my contract, and last season I was told that the club's intention was not to renew, at least for now. Obviously, that was a painful, unpleasant situation."

Asked whether the news had affected him emotionally, Mac Allister explained how he dealt with it: "It didn't affect me that much because, in the end, I still had time then, and I still have time now, to stay at this club, which is what I want most – to stay here."

"The reality is that the manager has changed, the sporting director has changed, and there are new investors coming into the club. So I think anything can happen now. We'll see what the future holds. I've always said I'm happy here and I'm really enjoying it, so we'll wait and see."

On the club's approach to contract renewals

Despite his disappointment, Mac Allister showed no desire to leave; he hopes Liverpool will reconsider.

The host asked whether it was normal for a club to tell a player so far in advance that his contract would not be renewed. Mac Allister explained that such conversations are common in European football and then mentioned two teammates.

Mac Allister said: "Yes, this is generally how things are handled here. In fact, look at Szoboszlai and Gravenberch. They were in the same contract situation as me at the time, and after I was told there would be no renewal, they renewed their contracts. So it's more of a club decision, and generally, that's how things are done."

"In the end, as a club, you don't want to lose a lot of money or let a player leave on a free transfer. That's basically the idea, or rather, that's the general practice in Europe. That's why this situation occurs."

He did not explain why Liverpool made the distinction, nor whether age, salary, sporting factors or other reasons influenced the decision. He did not accuse the club of treating him unfairly either, although he did specifically highlight the point.

Mac Allister said: "I don't judge the decisions they make. I'm just expressing my emotions and feelings, and now we move forward."

He also understands the financial considerations behind contract management. His comments suggest he sees the situation as part of football, even if it wasn't the news he wanted to hear. The question now is whether Liverpool still hold the same position.

On whether there is still room for a change of mind

When the host suggested that the decision might change, Mac Allister did not hesitate: "Yes, yes, of course. I think everything can change. Until the moment the contract expires, anything can change. And as I said, new sporting director, new manager, new investors. You never know."

There was no indication in the interview that new contract talks had begun. Mac Allister spoke only of a possibility, and the changes at Liverpool have given him some hope.

In other parts of the interview, Mac Allister spoke about his form and Liverpool's performances. Asked how he felt after several years in the Premier League, he said: "Honestly, I'm in good form. It's true that last season was very difficult for us, for the club and the team. But this season we're doing well again, we're at the top of the table. We have a very important game this weekend. Personally, I've always felt good."

On Liverpool this season

The host then asked whether Liverpool had improved compared with last season. Mac Allister believes the problem went beyond player quality: "A club like Liverpool, one of the biggest in the world, always has many quality players. The reality is that we had them last season too, so that's not an excuse. But some other things happened, and unfortunately they led to us not performing well as a team. Today I think we've recovered somewhat. I think we're doing well as a team. We know very well what we need to do, so we are in a better situation."

He did not elaborate on those other issues, so speculating about what he meant would not be very useful. What stands out is his emphasis on the collective nature of Liverpool's improvement.

On a future return to Argentine football

Mac Allister also discussed the possibility of returning to Argentine football later in his career. He played for Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors, two clubs that are clearly very important to him. Asked whether he would like to play in Argentina again, he replied: "Honestly, I would. Above all, as a way of showing gratitude. Argentinos Juniors gave me everything, gave my family everything, and of course I would love to go back. I also have some unfinished business with Boca because my time there was too short."

Mac Allister even mentioned his family's club in La Pampa province, Deportivo Mac Allister, as another possibility. He spoke about the family's vision of bringing the club to the Argentine top flight and potentially playing alongside his brothers. There is also a personal side to his thinking: "Of course, not just playing. I also want to live there. After so many years in Europe, I really appreciate our country."

There was also a lighthearted moment near the end of the interview. In a quick-fire round, Mac Allister was asked which Argentina international he would bring to Liverpool, and he replied immediately: "Julián Álvarez."

On penalties

He also spoke about his willingness to take responsibility on the pitch. Referring to a recent penalty shootout, he explained that the manager picked him to take the first penalty: "It was the manager's decision. Of course, if he hadn't decided that, I would have volunteered to take it. It was our first penalty shootout with this manager, and he made that decision. I'm very happy. I like to take responsibility, and fortunately it worked out well."

Later, when asked who he would trust to take a penalty if his life depended on it, he again answered quickly: "Myself." There is clearly no lack of confidence.