Fabrizio Romano reported this morning that Liverpool and Alexis Mac Allister have reached a full contract agreement which would see him sign a five-year deal, keeping him at Anfield until 2028.
Liverpool will pay Brighton the buyout clause for the World Cup winner which is reportedly less than the expected £60 million fee.
Following the news of Mac Allister joining the reads drawing ever closer, John Barnes believes that the Argentine would walk straight into Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven upon signing.
Speaking to BonusBetsCodes, Barnes said: “I think Alexis Mac Allister will come with a huge reputation and expectation to be a starter. When you’re signing a midfield player like him, they’re going to go straight into the team.”
The former Liverpool player continued: “If we sign a forward, then he may have to fight for his place unless he’s the best forward in the world. But in the midfield, if it’s a player you want, he’s going to go straight into the team, a hundred percent.”
Following the departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, Liverpool need to continue to strengthen their midfield department in the summer window.
Barnes recognises that should Liverpool sign additional midfielders, they will be signed on the basis that they are regular starters.
“Be it Caicedo, Declan Rice, be it any of them. I don’t think they’re going to sign midfield players to be part of the squad.
Whereby if they sign a wide player, you could say that he’d be a squad player. If they’re signing a midfield player, he’s going to go straight into the team.”
One name that has been tied to the Reds in recent weeks is Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, however, John Barnes does not believe the link carries much substance.
“I think Bruno Guimaraes is the right profile but I don’t think it will happen at all. I think this is pure speculation. It’s just pure paper talk.”
He elaborated: “Guimaraes is a spectacular player but I don’t think Newcastle will let him go. But of course, we’re after midfield players and he’s one of the best in the Premier League and he’ll be a great signing but I don’t think it’s gonna happen.”
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