Liverpool face an increasingly interesting decision over Alexis Mac Allister, with the midfielder's impressive recent performances raising questions about whether the club should reconsider its position on offering him a new contract.
Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index's Media Matters podcast, journalist Lewis Steele discussed Liverpool's thinking, the possibility of a contract extension and why the midfielder's long-term future remains uncertain despite his improved form.
The discussion followed reports from Ben Jacobs suggesting Liverpool are not currently planning to offer Alexis Mac Allister a new contract as they prepare for changes in midfield.
Davis also referenced comments from David Lynch, who had expressed doubts about Liverpool offering the Argentine fresh terms even if his current performances continued.
Steele explained why Liverpool's approach is unlikely to change immediately.
"Liverpool aren't the sort of club to change their minds based on two months of good form. They think a lot more big picture thinking than that."
He also confirmed that the midfielder had previously been informed of the club's position.
"Mac Allister, they obviously informed him they weren't going to sign an extension for him in the summer. He's obviously spoke about that and ever since he's been brilliant."
However, Steele believes there remains an opportunity for the midfielder to influence Liverpool's thinking.
"I think that he absolutely can win himself a new deal, but I don't see that happening anytime soon."
Photo: IMAGO
One particularly interesting aspect of the conversation concerned the length of any potential contract extension.
Steele questioned whether Liverpool would necessarily need to commit to another lengthy agreement.
"It doesn't have to be five years. Why can't they give him two years or one year or whatever? Maybe that's something that they can consider."
That possibility offers another dimension to Liverpool's decision-making, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder's longer-term future.
However, Steele was clear about the expected timeframe.
"From what I understand, it won't be any time soon that they're putting that new deal on the table."
He also suggested that sustained performances could eventually produce a different conversation.
"If he's still playing this way in a year's time, then the conversation will be different."
For now, Liverpool appear prepared to assess Mac Allister over a longer period before making any commitment.
Davis subsequently raised reports from German journalist Patrick Berger suggesting that Alexis Mac Allister features prominently on Real Madrid's shortlist, with Jose Mourinho particularly interested.
With Mac Allister's existing Liverpool contract running until 2028, the possibility of Madrid pursuing another midfielder approaching the final year of his agreement became part of the discussion.
Steele acknowledged the longstanding speculation.
"Mac Allister and Real Madrid is a conversation that's been going round and round for years now."
He also outlined the possibility of Liverpool eventually considering a sale.
"Maybe they try and cash in on Mac Allister even and sign a new midfielder themselves."
Such a decision would inevitably attract considerable attention, particularly given the midfielder's performances.
Steele recognised that reaction, describing a potential sale as "a very unpopular decision based on his current form."
The wider midfield discussion on Media Matters also covered Liverpool's interest in potential recruits, including Monaco's Lamine Camara and Bournemouth's Alex Scott.
Steele suggested Liverpool had already undertaken groundwork concerning Camara, although uncertainty remained over whether any midfield signing would arrive in January or during the summer.
Crucially, he also acknowledged that Liverpool's existing midfield performances had influenced the conversation.
"When everyone was saying how desperate the midfield situation was in the summer, that was not really factoring in how good Mac Allister was going to be or how good Trey Nyoni was going to be."
Those performances now form part of the considerations facing Liverpool's decision-makers.
For Mac Allister, the immediate situation remains unresolved. Steele believes the midfielder can earn another contract, although he does not expect Liverpool to act quickly.
His assessment leaves open the possibility of a renewal, continued interest from Real Madrid and further midfield recruitment as Liverpool consider their options.
What remains clear from Steele's conversation with Davis is that Mac Allister's current form has strengthened his case, while Liverpool's longer-term plans will ultimately determine whether that improvement results in a new agreement.
