Andoni Iraola clarifies Mac Allister’s future amid Real Madrid links

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has clarified the future of Alexis Mac Allister at the club as the Argentina international continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Mac Allister has two years remaining on his current contract, but has been mentioned in the media as a top target for Real Madrid. However, Iraola has made his stance clear regarding the future of the Argentine.

Iraola praised the midfielder’s impact on Merseyside and can’t wait to have him back for preseason.

“I think Alexis has been one of the best players of the club last year and has done a very good World Cup,” Iraola said. “It is normal that other clubs want our best players, our good players, it always happens in other markets. But I want to, also as other clubs want, I want to keep my good players. Probably I’m looking forward more to signing new players than the ones we have here.”

Alexis Mac Allister is set to play an important role under Iraola. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

The departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate have left significant holes in the first-team structure.

Liverpool are now looking at bringing in fresh talent, a move Iraola was remarkably candid about.

The search for a new wide man appears to be the primary concern for the recruitment staff. Iraola noted: “I think it is difficult to say a number. When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad.

“There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. Winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have.”

Iraola added that his tactical approach to the remaining weeks of the window will be influenced by how quickly certain players return to full training.

“We have some tricky positions where we have injured players that we trust, but it is still not the ideal situation, so it will depend on a lot of things,” the coach explained.

Liverpool have arrived in the United States for their Premier League pre-season tour, as Iraola hopes to get the best out of his players.

The Red’s American schedule includes fixtures against Sunderland, Leeds United, and Wrexham. Mac Allister is expected to be given an extended break due to his participation at the World Cup.