Liverpool’s choice to replace Alexis Mac Allister is becoming clearer after some strong comments.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is facing an uncertain future, and it looks like Andoni Iraola may have already found someone to fill his shoes.
Just before Liverpool’s big Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Mac Allister shared how sad he feels about not being offered a new contract, especially since his teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch recently signed new deals. The 27-year-old said, “I received the news that the club was not in a position to offer me a new contract which, of course, makes me very, very sad.” His current contract runs until June 2028.
This summer, Mac Allister had the chance to leave Liverpool, with Manchester City even showing interest before they signed Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for a record fee. While Szoboszlai and Gravenberch were offered new contracts, Mac Allister wasn’t kept in the loop about an extension. His form has dipped since Liverpool won the Premier League under Arne Slot in 2025, and it seems Andoni Iraola is already on the lookout for a replacement.
A player who’s caught their eye is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. According to TEAMtalk, it’s very unlikely Palace will keep him much longer after recently convincing him to stay. Wharton, 22, dreams of playing regular European football, especially after helping Palace win the Europa Conference League in May. Moving to Liverpool could be just the right step for him.
Wharton has also attracted interest from Newcastle United, who are watching his situation closely. Chelsea also have him on their radar but seem less keen compared to other targets. Crystal Palace are reportedly asking for over £75 million if someone wants to sign Wharton in 2027. If Mac Allister leaves, Wharton would be a perfect long-term replacement.
Wharton is quickly becoming one of the Premier League’s best deep-lying playmakers. Stats from FotMob show he averaged 8.26 line-breaking passes, 0.26 expected assists (xA), and 1.55 chances created per 90 minutes last season. Mac Allister’s numbers were lower with 6.19 passes, 0.06 xA, and 1.18 chances created, showing Wharton offers more when it comes to driving play forward.
This has been a challenge for Liverpool lately—they’ve struggled to control games in midfield, but Wharton could be just the boost they need. On top of that, he’s tough at winning the ball back, averaging 5.8 recoveries and 10.78 defensive actions compared to Mac Allister’s 3.79 and 7.78.
Best of all, Wharton is only 22 and has plenty of room to grow, making him an exciting prospect for any team looking to strengthen their midfield.