Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola confirmed he wants to retain Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson for the 2026-27 season, citing their importance to the squad’s stability amid defensive challenges and key injuries.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has made it clear he intends to keep midfield star Alexis Mac Allister and goalkeeper Alisson at Anfield for the 2026-27 season, despite ongoing speculation about their futures. The Spaniard, who took charge after Arne Slot’s exit, emphasized the value of retaining experienced players as the Reds navigate a season marked by injuries and transfer uncertainty.
Iraola’s Stance on Key Players
Iraola reiterated his commitment to Mac Allister, who has two years left on his contract, during a pre-season press conference in Chicago. I think Alexis has been one of the best players at the club for the last few years, and he has had a very good World Cup, so it is normal that other clubs want our best players,
Iraola said, according to BBC Sport. It always happens in other markets. But I want to keep my good players. I’m looking forward more to signing new players rather than losing the ones we have here.
The 27-year-old Argentine, who played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final run, has been linked with moves to Real Madrid. However, Iraola expressed confidence in his long-term future at Liverpool, stating, We need the references like Virgil [van Dijk], Alisson, Joe Gomez; players that have been here for a long time, and I am sure we will have this help.
Alisson, whose contract expires in 2027, has also been a focus of Iraola’s comments. The Brazilian, 33, was linked with a move to Juventus last season but appears set to stay. Alisson is someone also in a changing room that has lost some references in terms of experience, I think he’s someone that definitely will help us in this process of adaptation of the new signings, of the new players, the young players.
Defensive Concerns and Transfer Strategy
Iraola acknowledged Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly at right-back, where Conor Bradley’s knee injury has left a gap. So, with the centre-back, with the right-back situation, in terms of defensive depth, we are, I think, very thin right now so I think it’s a solution that we are trying to find, yes,
Iraola said, as reported by BBC Sport.
The Reds are also exploring options in the transfer market, with Iraola signaling a need for a winger. There are obvious situations that we know where we need to sign players. A winger, for example – we definitely need to sign a winger,
he told Football360. Potential targets include RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, though his German club reportedly seek £100million ($192million AUD), according to Theguardian.
Goalkeeping depth remains a focus, with Iraola confirming plans to loan out Armin Pecsi while retaining Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili. We have Alisson, we have Giorgi. Now we are going to send Armin on loan but we have the guarantee of the three keepers here,
he said, as noted by Theguardian.
The coming weeks will test Iraola’s ability to balance retention and reinforcement. With key players like Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike sidelined for months, the Reds face a critical window to address defensive gaps. Meanwhile, Mac Allister’s future remains tied to his contract and the club’s willingness to negotiate a new deal.
For now, Iraola’s priority is clear: We need the references like Virgil, Alisson, Joe Gomez; players that have been here for a long time,
he said. Whether that vision aligns with the club’s transfer strategy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the manager is determined to avoid losing his core players amid a turbulent rebuild.
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