As we head into the transfer window, there is a little bit of doubt surrounding a handful of Liverpool players.
The Reds are of course preparing for life under Arne Slot and they’ll want to make sure the new head coach has all the tools possible to succeed.
Nevertheless, there does remain worry over some of the very best players in the Liverpool squad.
Several days on from the end of the season and we’re still no clearer on the contract situations of Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, for example. Mohamed Salah looks set to stay at least, but that’s not a guarantee either.
If that wasn’t enough though, rumours have begun to circulate that Alexis Mac Allister is attracting interest from Real Madrid. Before he’s even set foot at the AXA Training Centre, that’s the last thing Slot needs.
Alexis Mac Allister responds to Real Madrid interest
With plenty of the Liverpool squad set to be involved in summer international tournaments, they’re now heading off to join up with their countries.
Often this can be when we see some be a little more open and candid in their answers to questions.
In that spirit, ESPN Argentina report that Mac Allister was asked directly about supposed interest from Real Madrid when joining up with his national team this week.
Having seen players move to the Bernabeu from Anfield in the past, Liverpool fans may be getting nervous about this.
But, happily, Mac Allister brushed it off. After just one season on Merseyside, it seems Alexis is going nowhere.
“I don’t talk about assumptions,” the 25-year-old answered. “I’m very happy at Liverpool.”
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Does Alexis Mac Allister have a release clause?
Part of the worry over interest from Real Madrid was that there were claims of a release clause being present in Mac Allister’s contract.
If that is the case, then they’d be powerless to stop the Spanish giants if they decided to trigger it.
However, we’d be truly stunned if this is the reality. Liverpool have stood firm on release clause’s in the past, such as when Emre Can was allowed to run his contract down rather than sign a new deal including an exit clause.
READ MORE: Why Alexis Mac Allister has been unique for Liverpool this season
That does not mean that Liverpool haven’t changed tack with Mac Allister. It should be remembered that the reason the Reds were able to sign him for such a low amount was due to his insistence of a buyout being present in his Brighton contract. Maybe he’s done the same at Anfield.
Obviously, until there’s some clarity over the matter, it can’t be ruled out completely. But we’d be surprised to hear it. Besides, Mac Allister sounds happy where he is, and that is brilliant news.