Liverpool have officially signed World Cup winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, the club announced on Thursday.
24-year-old Mac Allister has joined the Reds as Jurgen Klopp’s first signing ahead of a busy transfer window.
Liverpool are looking to improve their form next season after only finishing fifth in the 2022-23 season.
As sources have told ESPN the midfielder has signed a contract until 2028 at Anfield.
The Argentinian midfielder was a key figure for Brighton, contributing 12 goals and three assists in a season which saw the club secure Europa League qualification for the first time.
ESPN reported on Monday that Liverpool are looking to finalize a deal for the 24-year-old before he joins up with his national team ahead of the June 15 friendly against Australia in China.
Mac Allister also impressed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting all but one of Argentina’s games as they won the competition for the first time since 1986.
The midfielder scored in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Poland in the group stage.
“It feels great. It’s a dream come true, it’s amazing to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” Mac Allister told the club’s website as quoted by ESPN.
“I wanted to be in [from] the first day of pre-season, so it’s good that everything is done. I’m looking forward to meeting my team-mates.”
“It was a fantastic year for me – the World Cup, what we achieved with Brighton – but now it’s time to think about Liverpool and try to be a better player and a better human being every day.”
Sources told ESPN in April that Liverpool will end their long pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham and instead dedicate funds to rebuilding the squad after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
The club have announced the departure of midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita, along with Roberto Firmino, who left Anfield after eight seasons at the club.
The signing of Mac Allister is the first activity under new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, who joins the club after previous spells with Wolfsburg, Cologne and Hannover.
Sources have told ESPN that Liverpool also remain interested in Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone.
