Liverpool: the two key players Iraola absolutely refuses to lose

Courted by Real Madrid and Juventus, the two mainstays remain at the heart of the Reds' new project

Europe 22 July 2026 at 08:30

Add Foot Africa on Google

Liverpool: the two key players Iraola absolutely refuses to lose

Andoni Iraola has no intention of letting Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson leave—two players he considers essential to Liverpool's rebuilding process.

The summer transfer window won’t spark another exodus of key figures from Liverpool. Newly installed on the Reds' bench, Andoni Iraola has made it crystal clear he wants to keep Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker for the coming season.

The Argentine midfielder, in particular, has reportedly attracted the attention of Real Madrid after his run to the 2026 World Cup final. Despite being under contract until June 2028, the 2022 World Cup champion remains a central pillar of the English club’s sporting project.

"Alexis has been one of the best players at this club in recent years. It's only natural other teams are interested in him, but I want to keep my best players," Iraola told The Guardian.

🚨🇦🇷 Andoni Iraola on Mac Allister’s future: “Alexis has been one of the best at this club in years, look at the World Cup, it's normal other clubs want the best players”.

“Other clubs want my good players but I am looking to sign players than lose the ones we have here”. pic.twitter.com/WUCOKSiKhQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2026

Mac Allister and Alisson: two sporting guarantees

Despite a dip in attacking output last season, Mac Allister maintained a major role in midfield. The 27-year-old featured in 37 Premier League matches in 2025-2026, scoring twice and providing four assists. He also played in all seven of Argentina’s World Cup matches, notching a goal and an assist.

As for Alisson, he has been linked with Juventus. But Iraola has quickly shut down that trail, viewing the Brazilian as a sporting and human benchmark. Last season, the goalkeeper played 26 league games, made 57 saves, and kept eight clean sheets.

His influence, however, goes far beyond statistics. Alongside Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, Alisson is expected to mentor younger players and help new signings settle in.

Stability: a cornerstone of Iraola’s project

Keeping these two leaders is a strategic decision. Mac Allister can be the new coach’s technical relay, thanks to his resistance to pressing, off-the-ball work rate, and ability to speed up play. Alisson, meanwhile, provides security for a defense expected to play higher up the pitch.

This continuity seems all the more crucial as Liverpool is undergoing a period of transformation. The departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté have already reduced the number of experienced leaders in the dressing room.

Defense remains the top priority

Iraola has also acknowledged that his squad remains too thin in defense. Conor Bradley, sidelined with a serious knee injury, will be out for several more months. Signing a player capable of covering the right flank could therefore become a top priority.

Liverpool want to reinvent themselves without weakening their core. By declaring Mac Allister and Alisson untouchable, Iraola is laying the first stone of his new project.