Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to continue pursuing a deal for Mason Mount after nabbing Brighton playmaker Alexis Mac Allister in an initial £45m deal
Liverpool are ready to put aside their interest in Mason Mount after confirming the capture of Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister.
The World Cup winning midfielder, 24, became the Reds’ first summer signing on Thursday after completing a deal that will net the Seagulls an initial £45 million. However, it is highly unlikely that Mac Allister will be the only midfielder Jurgen Klopp has acquired ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Liverpool’s engine room was heavily criticized last season and is in need of a refresh. The Reds head into the summer break with the intention of signing at least two midfielders, with Mac Allister and Mount at the top of Klopp’s wish list.
Initially, Liverpool’s chances of landing Mount also looked high. But with the Chelsea star now leaning towards joining Manchester United, Liverpool will step back from their pursuit of a Blues academy graduate after bagging Mac Allister, according to The Guardian.
The same report outlines, however, that Liverpool could still solidify interest in Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone and OGC Nice maestro Khephren Thuram in the coming weeks to complete their new midfield look.
Mac Allister is expected to leave Brighton after starring for Argentina at the World Cup and has quickly emerged as a priority target for Liverpool, who are eyeing the playmaker long before the tournament restarts in November.
Klopp was quick to stress that Mac Allister’s versatility means he is capable of filling any role in the Reds’ engine room; a comment that could hint at the reasons behind Liverpool’s change of tactics regarding Mount.
“We’re adding a very talented, very intelligent, very technically skilled kid to our squad and it’s super news, really,” Klopp said on Liverpool’s website after the deal for Mac Allister was completed on Thursday.
“I don’t think the world of football needs me to say too much about Alexis’ qualities because they are already quite well-known but it is clear that he is someone who can play in a number of positions in midfield and is versatile. , I would say. He’s calm and collected and someone with the right game intelligence.”
Mac Allister doubled down on Klopp’s attitude and insists he is ready to play wherever he is needed. He said: “I’ve played in almost every position! And I think the managers I’ve worked with know I can do it anywhere if they need me.
“As a player, I’m a player who tries to play as simple as possible, I try to help my team-mates in defense or attack. That’s the most important thing and I’m a team player and I’ll try to make it happen until now.” club.”
