A report from Argentina has hinted at the shirt number Alexis Mac Allister could be given if he joins Liverpool before the 2023/24 season.
The 24-year-old’s departure from Brighton appears unavoidable, with his manager, Roberto De Zerbi, publicly admitting as much after the Seagulls’ defeat to Aston Villa yesterday, and Fabrizio Romano subsequently stating that the midfielder ‘will leave’ the Amex Stadium.
Anfield appears to be the most likely destination for the 2022 World Cup winner, with Football Insider reporting that such a move is ‘95% done’ amid Merseyside club confidence that an agreement will be reached.
According to the Argentine outlet Olé, a move to Liverpool ‘awaits’ Mac Allister, with Jurgen Klopp’s side being ‘the great candidate to buy’ the 16-cap international.
The Reds were also described as “a team that appears to be on track to give the world champion midfielder the number 10 shirt,” giving a strong indication as to the digits that could be on his back at Anfield.
With three midfielders leaving Liverpool this summer in James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, shirt numbers 7, 8, and 15 are now available for prospective signings.
However, it would not be surprising if Mac Allister is given the vacant number 10, which he currently wears for Brighton and Argentinos Juniors in his homeland (Transfermarkt).
That shirt has been vacant since Sadio Mane’s departure for Bayern Munich a year ago, and it was previously worn by Philippe Coutinho, another South American playmaker at Anfield.
The fact that Olé has mentioned how Liverpool are ‘on point’ to give the 24-year-old a squad number is another sign of how close the deal now appears to be, as it suggests that some within the club are already thinking about what he’ll wear once the transfer is completed.
Over the 2022/23 season, ‘Mac Allister 10’ has looked very impressive in blue and white stripes. If all goes well, it’ll look even better in Merseyside red in the near future.
