It has now been revealed why Alexis MacAllister turned down a late hijacking attempt from Manchester United and insisted on joining Liverpool
The 24-year-old Argentine World Cup winner is on the verge of joining Liverpool from Brighton. Personal terms have long been agreed upon, with Mac Allister set to triple his weekly salary from £50,000 to £150,000.
The player has passed a medical, and earlier on Wednesday, Fabrizio Romano reported that Liverpool had activated the clause in Mac Allister’s contract.
The precise amount of money Mac Allister would cost Liverpool has been hotly debated. Despite initial claims that the fee was close to £70 million, Romano reported that the final figure is a surprisingly low £35 million.
Thus, Mac Allister to Liverpool has all the hallmarks of a brilliant move. According to the Times, Klopp’s joy could have easily turned to despair.
According to the Times, Manchester United attempted to derail Liverpool’s pursuit of Mac Allister, with Erik ten Hag meeting with the player several times.
Finally, United’s last-ditch attempt to derail Liverpool’s plans failed, and Mac Allister’s move to Merseyside will be officially confirmed in the near future.
Man United should have had a good chance of derailing Liverpool’s plans. Indeed, the fact that they are in the Champions League next season while Liverpool are not is reason enough.
However, the Athletic has revealed why Mac Allister chose Liverpool over Manchester United.
Key differences in Klopp and Ten Hag plans
They claim the main reason is where Mac Allister would play for the two clubs vying for his services.
Mac Allister was expected to play in the double pivot alongside Casemiro at Manchester United. He’ll have more freedom to roam forward on the left side of Klopp’s midfield three at Liverpool.
According to the report, Mac Allister’s father, former Argentina international Carlos Mac Allister, previously told Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi that his son prefers to play further forward. When playing on the left as a de facto No 10, he thrives in that role for Argentina.
According to The Athletic, this is nearly the same role Liverpool has in mind for Mac Allister, though a Klopp midfielder will always be tasked with tracking back as well.
The positional quandary influenced Mac Allister’s decision to join Liverpool, while a second, albeit unconfirmed, reason has also been mentioned.
Mac Allister’s favorite shirt number is 10 and he has worn it while with Brighton.
Liverpool have not given the number 10 shirt to any player since Sadio Mane left, but according to the Liverpool Echo, Mac Allister will be able to wear it if he so desires. Marcus Rashford is Manchester United’s No. 10, and he is not going anywhere anytime soon.
While the shirt number controversy may be a red herring, it is clear that Liverpool’s plans for Mac Allister were more appealing than Manchester United’s.
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