Alexis Mac Allister’s father has revealed what persuaded his son to join Liverpool and explained his transfer plan. The Argentina international signed for the the Reds in a £35m deal from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023.

The switch came only eight months after Mac Allister had signed a new contract with the Seagulls, though his extended deal included a release clause that ultimately helped facilitate his move to Anfield.

The 26-year-old would go on to play a key role for Argentina as they won the World Cup in Qatar that winter, with Liverpool’s interest pre-dating the tournament.

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Now Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, has explained how Jurgen Klopp played a decisive role in persuading the midfielder to join the Reds despite a poor 2022/23 campaign, with it always his plan to use the 2022 World Cup as a springboard to move on at the end of the season.

“When he was about to play in Qatar, we sat down with Brighton and negotiated a good release clause,” Mac Allister Snr recalled to RG. “So that he could deliver a good performance in the World Cup and go to a bigger team, which he did.

“We chose Liverpool because Klopp wanted him a lot, and they were going through a rebuild. Klopp fell in love with him and gave him a lot of opportunities, which he did not waste.

“He delivered a fantastic World Cup and a very good Copa America and has shown unique attributes. People mostly talk about Alexis’ offensive abilities, but he also has the seventh-most recoveries in the Premier League.

“There are many footballers who attack well, many who defend well, but there aren’t many like Alexis who attack and defend well.”

Mac Allister has remained a key player for Liverpool under Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot. The Argentine has made 31 appearances so far this season, returning three goals and three assists.

Fielded in a slightly more advanced role than he had been under Klopp, Mac Allister has helped the Reds enjoy a remarkable season so far under their new Dutch head coach.

Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the table, having lost only once all season, while they have already booked their place in the Champions League round of 16 courtesy of leading the inaugural league table having won all seven of their games to date.

The Reds are also contesting in the League Cup semi-finals against Tottenham Hotspur, while they travel to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round next month.

And Mac Allister Snr believes his son is playing with more confidence this season as he backed him to keep on improving.

“Alexis is making his mark and having an extraordinary season in a team that is playing very well,” he said. “He was perhaps a bit more defensive under Klopp, but the difference is that, as you achieve more success, you become more confident.

“And as you are having success, and you are having confidence, you are increasingly encouraged to do more things, right? And that is what I see.

“When you’re worried about not making mistakes, you probably won’t be doing amazing things. When you’re daring enough to shoot from distance or make that precise pass, you can shine.

“Alexis is encouraged to do more difficult things and proving to be an outstanding footballer, and he’s showing that he still has room for growth.”