Brighton and Hove Albion CEO Paul Barber hopes to see World Cup winner Alexis MacAllister stay at the Amex ‘for some time’ amid interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, speaking to talkSPORT (19 December, 11am).
It’s testament to Brighton’s gold-panning, diamond-polishing recruitment team that only Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs had more representatives at the Qatar World Cup than the Seagulls of the south coast.
Brighton’s tally of eight was more even than Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
And the Amex Stadium will be home to a World Cup winner in the New Year; Alexis MacAllister arguably the best player on the pitch during Argentina’s enthralling victory over France at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
“Its been an amazing tournament. Its an incredible achievement for him. I had a message from Alexis overnight, and he said how delighted he was,” Barber beams.
“To have a World Cup winner in our ranks is a fantastic achievement. Obviously, we are delighted.”
Tottenham Hotspur like Brighton and Hove Albion’s Argentina star Alexis MacAllister
According to L’Interista, the latest in a long line of inspired Brighton signings – MacAllister joined for a bargain £7 million from Argentinos Juniors – now finds himself on the radar of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.
But one cannot accuse Brighton of letting the grass grow beneath their feet. As Barber points out, talks over a new deal began even before MacAllister boarded a flight to the Middle East.
“We felt Alexis has been performing really well all season,” the CEO adds. “He’s been growing into the Premier League. We were confident in his ability and his character. He’s a really calm presence, a nice lad off the pitch and a very, very good footballer.
“I think when player so well, when their profile increases, there’s always interest. There was interest before the World Cup, and I’m sure there will be even more afterwards. We were working on a new contact in the build up to the World Cup. We met Alexis’ father several times.
“All you can do in situations where you’ve got a great asset is to try and protect yourself as best as possible. We hope Alexis will continue to play with us for some time to come.”
Whether MacAllister returns in time for the Boxing Day derby with Southampton, however… well that is up for head coach Roberto di Zerbi to decide.
“That’s one for Roberto di Zerbi and his staff!” Barber laughs.
“This is really, really special moment for (MacAllister). I know Roberto will talk to Alexis and they’ll work out a plan for when its right for Alexis to return.”
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