Liverpool sign WC winner Mac Allister

Liverpool signed Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton on Thursday for a fee that could rise to a reported £55 million ($69 million).

The 24-year-old is the first piece in a midfield rebuild for Liverpool, who finished a disappointing fifth in the Premier League.

“It feels amazing,” said Mac Allister, who is understood to have signed a five-year deal at Anfield. “It’s a dream come true. It’s amazing to be here and I can’t wait to get started.

“I wanted to be in from the first day of pre-season, so it’s good that everything is done. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates.

“It was a fantastic year for me -– World Cup, what we achieved with Brighton -– but now it’s time to think about Liverpool and try to be a better player and a better human being every day.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is seeking to bolster his midfield options after the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The club were priced out of a move for England teenage star Jude Bellingham, who is set to join Real Madrid after the clubs agreed a fee of 103 million euros ($110 million).

Liverpool, who struggled last term after nearly completing an unprecedented quadruple in 2021/22, have been criticised for failing to reinforce their ageing midfield over recent transfer windows.

Klopp is excited about the arrival of Mac Allister, who reportedly cost an initial fee of £35 million.

Mac Allister will wear the number 10 shirt worn with distinction by past Liverpool stars Sadio Mane, John Barnes and Michael Owen.