Mac Allister selected Liverpool over Manchester United for a number of reasons, which makes Klopp laugh.

It has emerged why Alexis Mac Allister rebuffed a late attempt to hijack Man Utd and insisted he join Liverpool.

The Argentine world champion, 24, is set to complete a move from Brighton to Liverpool. Personal terms have long since been agreed and Mac Allister faces a triple pay rise from £50,000-a-week to £150,000-a-week.

The player has passed the medical and Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday that Liverpool have activated the clause in Mac Allister’s contract.

Exactly how much Mac Allister would set Liverpool back has been the subject of much debate. Despite initial claims that the fee would be around £70m, Romano said the final amount is a remarkably modest £35m.

So Mac Allister to Liverpool has all the hallmarks of a masterful move. However, according to the Times, Klopp’s joy could have easily turned to despair.

Indeed, The Times claimed that Man Utd tried to hijack Liverpool’s move for Mac Allister, with Erik ten Hag holding multiple chats with the player.

In the end, United’s latest attempt to ruin Liverpool’s plans has not paid off and Mac Allister’s move to Merseyside will be officially confirmed shortly.

You would expect Man Utd to have a good chance of thwarting Liverpool’s plans. The fact that they will be playing in the Champions League next year and Liverpool aren’t is just the reason.

But it came to light through Athletic because Mac Allister chose Liverpool and rejected Man Utd.
Difference Klopp, plans Ten Hag key

They argue the main reason comes down to where Mac Allister would play for the two clubs chasing his signing.

At United, Mac Allister was expected to play in the double pivot alongside Casemiro. At Liverpool, he will have more freedom to move forward on the left side of Klopp’s midfield three.

According to the report, Mac Allister’s father – former Argentina international, Carlos Mac Allister – had previously told Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi that Alexis would prefer to play later.

This is the role he thrives in with Argentina playing on the left as the de facto number 10.

The addition of Athletic is pretty much the same role Liverpool have in mind for Mac Allister, although a Klopp midfielder will always be tasked with following him.

Positional dilemma played a role in Mac Allister’s decision to pick Liverpool, while a second reason has been cited, albeit unconfirmed. Mac Allister’s favorite shirt number is 10 and that’s what he wore during his time at Brighton.

Liverpool have not given away the 10 shirt to any player since Sadio Mane’s departure, but according to the Liverpool Echo, the 10 shirt will be Mac Allister’s if he so desires.

Man Utd’s number 10 is Marcus Rashford, who won’t give up easily.
While the shirt number debate may be a diversion, it’s clear Liverpool’s plans for Mac Allister have proven more appealing than Man Utd’s.