Alexis Mac Allister reveals his decision to reject Steven Gerrard’s iconic No. 8 jersey at Liverpool

Liverpool’s recent signing, Alexis Mac Allister, has made headlines by turning down the opportunity to wear the iconic number eight jersey previously adorned by Steven Gerrard. The Argentine midfielder, who joined the club from Brighton on a long-term deal for an undisclosed fee, shed light on his decision and revealed his reasoning behind opting for a different shirt number.

While the financial details of the transfer remain undisclosed, reports suggest that Mac Allister’s contract at Anfield spans five years, with a salary of £150,000 per week. Speculation around the transfer fee ranges from £35 million to £55 million, but regardless of the exact amount, Liverpool is thrilled to have secured the talented midfielder’s services ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Sadio Mane’s departure to Bayern Munich last summer left the coveted number 10 shirt vacant, and Mac Allister was handed the opportunity to wear Liverpool’s historic number eight jersey, which held immense significance due to Gerrard’s association with it. However, he decided to stick with the number he wore at Brighton, explaining his choice by stating, “I know how important number 10 is in football. It’s a number that I really like and that’s why I chose it.”

With several players leaving the club after their contracts expired, including James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is actively seeking new signings. The club has been linked with midfield targets such as Khephren Thuram from Nice, Manu Kone from Borussia Monchengladbach, and Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo. Additionally, Liverpool may consider bolstering their defensive options by acquiring a left-sided centre-back, with Evan Ndicka from Eintracht Frankfurt, Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg, and loanee Levi Colwill from Chelsea (who spent the season at Brighton) among the names on their radar.

As the summer transfer market opens, Liverpool may also explore the possibility of securing another right-back to provide cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold, dependent on their available transfer budget. The club’s ambition to strengthen its squad signals an exciting period ahead, as fans eagerly await further developments in their pursuit of success on multiple fronts.