Why Alexis Mac Allister chose Liverpool over Chelsea & Man City

Alexis Mac Allister's father has revealed the key reason why his son chose to sign for Liverpool over other suitors this summer.

Liverpool confirmed a transfer for Mac Allister at the start of the summer window and, at just £35m, the deal was judged by many to be something of a bargain.

The 24-year-old former Brighton star had become one of the Premier League's best young midfielders, scoring ten times in the 2022/23 season, as well as playing a key role in Argentina's World Cup win.

Liverpool pulled off their transfer coup despite interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, while Mac Allister's father, Carlos, has revealed it was the Reds' 'desire' that helped seal the deal – as well as a phone call from a certain Jurgen Klopp.

"The reason why Alexis went to Liverpool is because they showed so much interest in having him on their team," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"They showed a desire to count on him and we wanted Alexis to go to a team where he could be settled for the start of pre-season; move on the first day of the transfer window - all that stuff. This was so important because we wanted him to have a good preparation with the team he decided to sign with.

"Jurgen Klopp was crucial a figure in the transfer. He was talking with Alexis. When he received the phone call from Jurgen it was important in deciding which team he should choose to play for. Already Alexis likes to work with Jurgen, and Jurgen likes to work with Alexis. I think that is very important for a player to train at a place where you feel loved, and also your trainer and mates trust you at every moment."

Carlos Mac Allister will see two of his sons go head to head on Thursday night as Liverpool host Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League.

Kevin Mac Allister, 25, signed for the Belgian side this summer and is set to take on his better-known sibling for the first-time in a senior competitive outing.

READ MORE: Watch – Union S-G players & Kevin Mac Allister react to Liverpool Europa League group draw

The Mac Allister dad revealed some of the banter that has taken place in the family WhatsApp group prior to Thursday's showdown.

"All the time they are joking with each other," Carlos said. "Alexis says he will dribble past Kevin, or Kevin will say he will put in a hard tackle, or Alexis will say that he will score. In the WhatsApp group of the family, they joke and talk a lot. But they live everything in a healthy way."