Liverpool’s first summer signing Alexis Mac Allister praised by manager Klopp for his versatility and rewarded with jersey number 10 over Gerrard’s

• Mac Allister rewarded with a five-year contract
• Chose jersey number 10 over Gerrard’s
• Klopp has been monitoring Mac Allister’s progress for a long time

WHAT HAPPENED? Alexis Mac Allister becomes Liverpool’s first signing of the transfer market this summer after the player signed a five-season contract. No details were given on the size of the contract, but it is believed to be between £35 and £45m. The signing of the contract was carried out after Mac Allister underwent medical tests. Mac Allister will wear jersey number 10, although he was offered number 8 which is identical to Steven Gerrard.

WHAT IS SAYING? Manager Jurgen Klopp stated that Mac Allister was a good addition to his team, being able to play in several positions. “We are adding a very talented, intelligent and technically skilled player to our squad. This is super news,” Klopp said as quoted by the club’s official website. “The world of football doesn’t need me to say too much about Alexis’ qualities. But it is clear he is someone who can play in a number of positions in midfield and is versatile. He’s calm and someone with the right game intelligence.”

BIG PICTURE: Mac Allister had a good 3.5 seasons with Brighton. The 24-year-old made his Premier League debut in March 2020, and made 112 appearances for the club, 98 of them in the Premier League. Mac Allister has also faced Liverpool six times. “He’s a player we’ve known for a long time,” said Klopp. “I saw him from as a young player to helping his country win the World Cup. It was quite an extraordinary journey.”