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Steven Gerrard has given his verdict on Alexis Mac Allister's bombshell revelations about his Liverpool future.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of the Reds' Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid, Mac Allister said he was ‘very sad’ that the club have not offered him a new contract.
The Argentina star, 27, has watched his midfield colleagues, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, sign new deals – and insisted there were chances for him to leave over the summer.
And Liverpool icon Gerrard questioned the Argentine midfielder's actions, although he did highlight how important he is to Andoni Iraola's side.
'I'm a big fan of Alexis Mac Allister and I think he's been very good for Liverpool,' he told TNT Sports. 'Last year he had a few injury problems and going into the World Cup you sort of expected his focus to be elsewhere at certain times which it was, but he's 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. 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?".
Steven Gerrard gave his verdict on Alex Mac Allister's revelations about his Liverpool future
Mac Allister expressed his sadness that he was yet to be offered a new contract by the Reds
'If he can get that form consistently from now throughout the season then I reckon Liverpool will offer him a new contract and I actually think Liverpool need him.'
Gerrard continued: 'They need another one (midfielder) as well. They're light so 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.
'It's one where he needs to knock on the manager's door, talk privately and do it behind the scenes.'
When asked how close he was to leaving this summer, Mac Allister had 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.
‘I see Dominik and Ryan renew their contracts. That makes me very happy because they deserve it but also at the same time it makes me very sad I didn’t get mine.
‘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. 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, who turns 28 later this year, has played 151 times for Liverpool since joining from Brighton in 2023 and still has two years left on his contract.
He was extremely impressive in his first two seasons at the club but struggled in 2025-26 as Liverpool's form dipped under Arne Slot.
Gerrard suggested Mac Allister should have aired his concerns privately to boss Andoni Iraola
The midfielder did admit that 'maybe' the situation could change, and former Reds star Steve McManaman said he would be surprised if the club didn't offer Mac Allister a new deal.
'It didn't need to be said in a press conference,' he added on TNT Sports. '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.
'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.'
Mac Allister scored the winner with a fine left-foot strike in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Atletico and after the game, Gerrard hailed his impact.
'You let your football do the talking. I thought he was outstanding,' said Gerrard. '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. Show the experience, show your football, show that you’re a top international player, and trust me, this club they will reward you.'
