Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has moved to quash speculation linking Alexis Mac Allister with Real Madrid and Alisson with Juventus, insisting both players remain integral to his plans. The Spaniard, who took charge this summer, addressed the media during the club’s pre-season tour in the United States, acknowledging interest in his stars but making clear his intention to build around existing talent.
Mac Allister, fresh from representing Argentina at the World Cup final defeat to Spain, has attracted attention from the Bernabéu. However, Iraola emphasised that the midfielder, who is under contract at Anfield until 2028, features prominently in his strategy. The coach highlighted the 27-year-old’s recent performances, noting his status among the club’s leading contributors over recent campaigns. “I want to keep my good players,” Iraola stated, indicating that recruitment would focus on arrivals rather than seeing established figures depart.
Alisson faces similar speculation regarding a potential switch to Juventus, yet Iraola has guaranteed the Brazil goalkeeper will stay on Merseyside. The coach stressed the importance of retaining experienced figures such as Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez to guide new acquisitions and younger squad members through the upcoming campaign.
Defensive crisis forces recruitment hand
Iraola’s determination to retain his stars comes amid a defensive injury crisis that has left the squad depleted. The manager admitted Liverpool are “very thin” at the back following confirmation that Hugo Ekitiké and Conor Bradley will be unavailable for several months. Bradley, who had established himself as first-choice right-back before sustaining a serious knee injury in January, remains out, forcing the club to consider entering the transfer market for reinforcements.
Pre-season arrangements and World Cup hangover
The Reds are currently based in Chicago as part of their American tour, with a youthful squad preparing for Saturday’s opener against Sunderland in Nashville. Senior players including Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to join the travelling party next week, while Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Alisson will commence pre-season training back in England.
Mac Allister is unlikely to be ready for the Premier League curtain-raiser at Newcastle as he recovers from his post-World Cup break. Iraola has yet to meet the midfielder or Alisson in person due to their international commitments, though he has spoken with both.