Premier League giants Liverpool are signing an ‘outstanding player’ in Alexis Mac Allister with Fabrizio Romano reporting that a deal for the Brighton and Hove Albion ace is now imminent.
That is the assessment of Martin Keown; the Arsenal legend hailing Liverpool’s speed and decisiveness as they close in on their first signing of what could be a hectic summer of incomings and outgoings at Anfield.
After weeks of speculation, Fabrizio Romano issued those three magic words on Monday morning. ‘Here we go’, indeed.
World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister will undergo a medical this week, ahead of signing a long-term deal until the summer of 2028 on the red side of Stanley Park.
The fee remains a mystery, but Romano insists that it is ‘way less’ than the rumoured £60 million. Whatever the cost, it’s likely to be a bargain for a 24-year-old who emerged as one of the Premier League’s most complete, most all-round central midfielders during an outstanding campaign under Roberto de Zerbi.
Liverpool set to seal Alexis Mac Allister deal with Brighton
“I think he is an outstanding player. We saw that during the World Cup,” Keown, a three-time Premier League champion with Arsenal, tells talkSPORT (5 June, 11am).
“When (Lionel) Messi came deep, he was flying forward. He operates very intelligently. Great technique, an eye for goal. (He will be) a really top signing. Good business again
“It’s not a ‘steal’ but I think it is worth paying for a player of his quality. Its healthy, in a way, that Brighton are letting him move on.
“He will do well there. He gives (Liverpool) a bit more backbone and quality.”
With Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur Melo and James Milner all leaving – and with both Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara the wrong side of 30 – Mac Allister is unlikely to be the only new midfielder on his way to Anfield this summer.
Romano adds that, as Mason Mount closes in on a move to north west rivals Manchester United, Liverpool have held initial talks with Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone.
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