Liverpool enter the international break with renewed momentum after Alexander Isak’s early second-half goal earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The result kept Andoni Iraola’s side unbeaten, but their broader focus during the three-week pause will include the unresolved future of Alexis Mac Allister ahead of Manchester City’s October visit to Anfield.
Mac Allister, whose present Liverpool deal runs until 2028, publicly said he was “very sad” that the club had not opened negotiations over a new contract. The Argentine considered his options during the summer after Liverpool extended the contracts of fellow midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, but he chose to remain at Anfield.
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has responded by telling Mac Allister that consistent displays must be the decisive factor. Heskey argued that the midfielder should “go and show you deserve it through performances and the contract will come,” adding that a sustained rise in output would make it difficult for Liverpool not to revisit the situation.
Mac Allister started at Bournemouth alongside Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz, with Gravenberch introduced late on. Isak secured the win in the 46th minute, finishing after Liverpool had controlled much of the contest without breaking through in the first half. The result was particularly notable for Iraola, who returned to the Vitality Stadium against his former club.
Liverpool’s next match is a major test: Manchester City visit Anfield on Sunday 11 October. Before then, the club will monitor a number of players on international duty, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and 18-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha, who were selected in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Former Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria has meanwhile taken an unconventional route in his search for a new club. The 28-year-old, who made eight first-team appearances for Liverpool after being handed his debut by Jürgen Klopp in 2016, posted on LinkedIn that he is a free agent and is looking for opportunities as a No. 6, No. 8, No. 10 or left-sided attacker. He was released by Real Oviedo after last season.
