Steven Gerrard has questioned Alexis Mac Allister's decision to publicly reveal that he came close to leaving Liverpool this summer, though the Liverpool legend said the Reds still need the Argentina midfielder's experience and quality.
Mac Allister told a pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool's Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid that he was "very sad" the club had not offered him a new contract. The 27-year-old has watched his midfield colleagues Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch sign new deals this year, and said there had been chances for him to leave over the summer.
Gerrard's verdict
Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard said he was "a big fan" of Mac Allister and that the midfielder had been "very good for Liverpool." He noted that Mac Allister had injury problems last season and that his focus had understandably been elsewhere at times going into the World Cup, but called him "a really clever player who has done really well."
"I think this (a new contract) will be the manager's decision at the end of the day," Gerrard said. "The manager probably said to the guys around him: 'Let me have a look at him, see how he plays, can he get back to his first season here when he came when he was terrific?'"
Gerrard added that if Mac Allister could find that consistent form, he expected Liverpool to offer him a new deal. "I actually think Liverpool need him," he said, adding that the squad was "light" in midfield and needed another player in that position too.
"The last thing Liverpool need is to lose a player with Alex Mac Allister's experience and quality, but the timing last night for me, I don't think it was helpful," Gerrard said. "It's one where he needs to knock on the manager's door, talk privately and do it behind the scenes."
Mac Allister's own words
Asked how close he had come to leaving in the summer, Mac Allister said: "There was a chance. As everyone knows, I received the news that the club was not in a position to offer me a new contract which of course makes me very, very sad."
"Because everyone can see I give 100 per cent for this football club every single day. In training and games. I can have good games, bad games, like everyone, but I always give my best," he said. He added that seeing Szoboszlai and Gravenberch renew their contracts made him happy for them, but also made him sad that he had not received his own.
"Of course, there is still time, the fans don't have to worry because I will give 100 per cent until my very last day I am here," Mac Allister said. "We will see what happens. There were options to leave this summer but I think right now I am in the right club."
Mac Allister at Liverpool
Mac Allister, who turns 28 later this year, joined Liverpool from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2023 and has since made 151 appearances for the club. He still has two years left on his current contract. He was part of Argentina's World Cup winning squad in 2022.
He was highly impressive in his first two seasons at Anfield but struggled during the 2025-26 campaign as Liverpool's form dipped under manager Arne Slot. Mac Allister admitted that "maybe" the contract situation could still change.
McManaman weighs in
Former Liverpool player Steve McManaman, also speaking on TNT Sports, said he would be surprised if the club did not offer Mac Allister a new deal. "It didn't need to be said in a press conference," he said. "That was the only disappointing part but I'm with Steven, you're not going to let a player like him at 27.. there's plenty of time to talk about a new contract."
"Let's be honest last year wasn't his best. The year before he was great when they won the league and maybe that's the time to talk but last year he was disappointing," McManaman said. "If he gets back to the level of two years ago, I'm with Steven, they need him and need someone with his experience. And he will be offered a new contract. You're not letting him go on a free or letting him run down his deal."
Winning goal against Atletico Madrid
Mac Allister scored the winner with a left-foot strike as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League opener. Gerrard praised his impact after the match.
"You let your football do the talking. I thought he was outstanding," Gerrard said. "He got an early yellow card that could have affected them, but to come up with a stunning strike and to play with the composure and discipline after the yellow card, I thought he was outstanding."
"That's the way, let the football do the talking," Gerrard added. "Show the experience, show your football, show that you're a top international player, and trust me, this club they will reward you."
