Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has made it clear that he wants Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker to remain at Anfield, despite growing speculation surrounding the futures of the two key players.
Argentina international Mac Allister, who joined Liverpool from Brighton in 2023, still has two years remaining on the five-year contract he signed upon arriving at the club. However, the midfielder has yet to enter discussions over a potential extension, leading to reports that he could be a target for other clubs during the summer transfer window.
Speaking during Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States, Iraola insisted that retaining the club’s top performers remains a priority.
“Alexis has been one of the best players at the club over the last few years, and after having a very good World Cup, it is normal that other teams are interested in our best players,” Iraola said.
“But I want to keep the players we have. I am more focused on adding new signings rather than losing the quality already within the squad.”
The Liverpool boss also addressed the future of goalkeeper Alisson, who has just one year remaining on his current contract and has been linked with a possible move to Juventus.
Despite the speculation, Iraola highlighted the importance of the Brazilian’s experience, particularly during a period of transition at the club.
“I am very happy with our goalkeeping situation at the moment,” he explained. “Alisson is a very important figure in the dressing room, especially after losing some experienced leaders. He can help the new signings, younger players and the whole squad during this adaptation period.”
Iraola also stressed the importance of experienced figures such as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Joe Gomez as Liverpool continue to evolve.
Meanwhile, the Spanish coach admitted that defensive reinforcements remain a priority before the transfer window closes, particularly at right-back following Conor Bradley’s injury setback.
The Northern Ireland international suffered a knee injury in January and is still expected to be sidelined for several months, leaving Liverpool short of options in that position.
“If we had a fully fit Conor Bradley, we would be very happy and would not be asking these questions,” Iraola said. “We trust him for the long term and we believe he can be our right-back, but at the moment he is still some distance away from returning.”
With concerns also surrounding defensive depth in central defence, Iraola acknowledged that Liverpool are exploring solutions to strengthen the squad.
“At centre-back and right-back, in terms of defensive options, we are a little thin at the moment. It is a situation we are looking to address,” he added.
Liverpool are therefore expected to remain active in the transfer market, while Iraola continues to build his squad around the experience and quality of established stars such as Mac Allister and Alisson.
