Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Liverpool transfer news has centred on Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker after new head coach Andoni Iraola declared both players will remain at Anfield this season. Andoni Iraola addressed their futures from Liverpool’s Chicago training camp on July 21 while preparing a depleted squad for the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
Alexis Mac Allister has been linked with Real Madrid following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup final defeat against Spain, while Alisson Becker has attracted reported interest from Juventus. Liverpool also need reinforcements because Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain months away from returning.
The World Cup background is covered in Argentina World Cup Reaction Mixes Pride With Pain After Final Defeat.
Alexis Mac Allister remains in Liverpool plans
“I think Alexis has been one of the best players at the club for the last few years, and he has had a very good World Cup, so it is normal that other clubs want our best players. It always happens in other markets,” Andoni Iraola said.
“But I want to keep my good players. I’m looking forward more to signing new players rather than losing the ones we have here.”
Alexis Mac Allister is contracted until 2028 but may not be fully prepared for Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United after his post-World Cup break. The midfielder remains part of Andoni Iraola’s long-term plans despite the Real Madrid reports.
Andoni Iraola has also guaranteed Alisson Becker will stay. The Brazilian goalkeeper remains a senior dressing-room figure alongside Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez as Liverpool bring younger players into the first-team group.
Injuries leave Liverpool short
The official Liverpool pre-season schedule confirms the United States tour includes a July 25 opener against Sunderland in Nashville.
Andoni Iraola admitted Liverpool are short of defensive options while Conor Bradley recovers from the serious knee injury suffered in January. A fit Conor Bradley would be the leading right-back option, leaving Liverpool to consider entering the transfer market.
“Conor and Hugo are way off. We are talking about months,” Andoni Iraola said.
Keeping Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker provides stability, but the injury list leaves Andoni Iraola with clear work to complete before the Premier League begins.
