Liverpool transfers: Klopp ecstatic as Alexis Mac Allister cousin confirms move and Fabrizio Romano reveals ‘bargain’ Brighton fee

Liverpool are on the cusp of finalising the transfer of Alexis Mac Allister – but it seems the Reds are to land the World Cup winner in a fee far lesser than ever originally expected.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has made the strengthening of his midfield his No 1 priority this summer. After an extremely underwhelming 2022/23 campaign, even a late Liverpool rally could not catapult the club into the Champions League.

Instead, Liverpool will play next season in the Europa League; their first entry into the competition since 2016.

Having struggled in the engine room this season, it’s little surprise to see Klopp targeting at least three signings there. And with Arthur Melo, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain moving on, Liverpool have the perfect opportunity to strengthen.

The German, alongside his new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, appear in a hurry to get their business over the line.

Klopp recently exuded a confidence that their lack of UCL football will not hinder their business. And he is adamant the club remain an attractive proposition for would-be signings.

Now it appears that their first summer deal is imminent in the form of Brighton star Mac Allister.

He has enjoyed a stellar season for the Seagulls, scoring 12 times and assisting with three more. Also helping his country Argentina win the World Cup, Mac Allister will provide Liverpool’s midfield with a new goals thrust too often missing.

Now after a series of talks, Liverpool are close to a transfer breakthrough. His father and agent is due to arrive on Merseyside for talks on Monday. And the confirmation of the transfer could arrive before the end of this week.

READ MORE: The five midfielders heavily linked with Liverpool and how they compare in 2022/23: Mac Allister, Mount…

Mac Allister cousin confirms Liverpool transfer

Now Mac Allister’s cousin, Luciano Guaycochea – a footballer himself with Malaysian side Perak – has confirmed the imminent move to Anfield.

“I cannot say where he’s going to play but everyone knows the Liverpool deal is close,” he stated. “It’s a big team. But anywhere he goes, I hope that he can play well.”

Mac Allister himself, meanwhile, has dropped a firm hint that his time at Brighton is over.

Breaking his silence on his future, the player offered his thoughts on Instagram.

He wrote: “It was an honour to represent Brighton & Hove Albion FC in a World Cup but to become the first-ever World Cup winner for this club it will be unforgettable (hopefully you will have more), as it will be your welcome after it.

“Three and a half ago, we were fighting for relegation. But today, after so much sacrifice, suffering and work, this group will be in the history of this club for becoming the first time this club will play Europe League.

“We achieved it all together and that’s why we have to feel very proud. VAMOOOOOS.”

Mac Allister fee less than expected, claims Romano

By widespread reports, Mac Allister will sign a five-year deal at Anfield worth £150,000 a week. That will treble his current salary and tie the 24-year-old to the Merseysiders until summer 2028.

Initially valued at around the £60m mark, a clause in his Brighton deal has helped Liverpool facilitate his signing this summer.

However, rather than paying the full amount, Fabrizio Romano claims the actual fee will be for significantly less.

He states Liverpool are close to a deal, but that “it’s way less than this [£60m], so a bargain, a very good deal for Liverpool.”

Indeed, some reports state that the fee for Mac Allister will actually come in at the £55m mark – a fee that will make Klopp ecstatic. Primarily that’s because Liverpool will land, what they feel, is something of a transfer bargain.

But also because it means Liverpool will still have significant funds in their kitty for further strengthening this summer.

As revealed over the weekend, Klopp has already turned his thoughts to a second signing. And it seems Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia will be the man targeted next, amid claims talks over a deal will soon get underway.

Klopp still wants a third addition too, with reports in Italy suggesting Nicolo Barella remains a firm favourite of the Reds boss.

READ MORE: Liverpool explode towards £35m signing as Klopp plays ace card to hijack Chelsea transfer and infuriate Pochettino