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Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is heavily linked with a big summer move after an outstanding season.
On top of winning the World Cup with Argentina last year, the 24-year-old has been instrumental in the Seagulls securing European football for 2023-24.
The South American maestro — whose contract expires in 2025 — has scored 10 Premier League goals and is attracting the attention of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Ahead of Brighton’s match against Pep Guardiola’s champions tonight, we look at what the future might hold for one of world football’s brightest talents.
Liverpool
If reports are to believed, Liverpool is the most likely destination for Mac Allister.
Brighton’s No10 is the perfect candidate for the Merseyside club’s planned midfield revamp, as he would bring a new attacking edge to the team.
The 16-cap international has recorded the most shots on target of any central midfielder in the English top flight this season (33), with only Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez at the Reds bettering him in that department.
Mac Allister also ranks higher than every member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad, bar Trent Alexander-Arnold, for final third passes completed (438).
But a lack of Champions League football may hinder the Reds in their pursuit. If United pick up a just a point from their final two games, the six-time winners of the competition will be unable to qualify.
Manchester City
Tonight’s visitors to the Amex are now believed to be firmly in the race for Mac Allister’s signature.
Ilkay Gundogan’s future is likely the reason why. The German’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has yet to agree an extension.
Mac Allister would be the perfect all-round operator to replace the 32-year-old, particularly after showing off his attacking credentials this season.
The former Boca Juniors ace also boasts superiority over the Citizens captain for tackles completed (67), interceptions made (22), aerial duels won (22) and possessions won in the final third (28).
A complete midfield package that will really appeal to Guardiola.
Chelsea
Like Liverpool, Chelsea’s lack of Champions League football could harm their chances of signing Mac Allister.
However, the West Londoners may prove to be a very attractive proposition.
Fellow World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez is already at Stamford Bridge, while compatriot Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be the team’s manager for next season.
And the Blues desperately need a player like Mac Allister to spearhead the club’s rebuild.
His 10 goals is three more than Kai Havertz’s top-flight tally this term — and far exceeds any midfielder in Frank Lampard’s squad.
Manchester United
The Red Devils could do with an upgrade on the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred — which is exactly what Mac Allister would be.
Bruno Fernandes is the only man in Erik ten Hag’s squad who has created more chances than the Brighton lynchpin (46) this season.
Even more impressively, only Marcus Rashford has completed more take-ons than the Seagulls star (42).
And barring a dramatic end-of-season collapse, United will be able to offer Champions League football as a bargaining chip in negotiations, as well as the opportunity to play alongside veteran midfield enforcer Casemiro.
Mac Allister will have to choose his next club wisely, but it is hard to see a player with such undeniable talent not succeeding at any of his four potential destinations.
