Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister has garnered significant transfer interest over the last few months following his role in Argentina's World Cup triumph. Starting every game in Qatar, minus the defeat to Saudi Arabia, Mac Allister shone in midfield grabbing one goal and one assist as his nation reached the pinnacle of international football.
The 24-year-old was given an extended break following the tournament but he is now back in the Brighton team hoping to achieve domestic success alongside his international crown. On Saturday, Brighton were dealt a setback in their European hopes losing in the league for the first time in five games at home to Fulham.
Alongside Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Kaoru Mitoma have also impressed this season and will likely have transfer interest in the summer. That situation occurring will not be unnatural for Brighton chief Paul Barber though and he has already explained the club's stance on Mac Allister and others.
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“As we’ve always said, when players do well, when their profile increases, there’s always going to be interest in them,” he told talkSPORT in December.
“Alexis is no different, there was interest in him before the World Cup and I’m sure there will be more interest in him afterwards. All we can do in situations where you’ve got a great asset is to try and protect yourself as best as possible.
“We’ve done that with several of our players and staff over the last several years, and that’s all you can do in these situations. We hope Alexis will continue to be playing for us for some time to come.”
In January, his father, Carlos Mac Allister, said he, his son, and the Sussex side will "analyse the offers" they receive. Ultimately Mac Allister remained at the Amex Stadium, but a summer departure is certainly possible. According to Argentinian journalist Gaston Edul, Mac Allister's father, Carlos, travelled to England earlier this week to discuss his son's future which could be "out of Brighton".
Carlos has now spoken on the future of Mac Allister where he acknowledges how much he loves the club, but does not rule out a move from taking place in the summer.
"For now, he is at Brighton. It seems to me a very good thing that he has returned from the World Cup and has not despaired about leaving, enjoying success calmly and in peace, in a team that loves him very much. The reception he received has been the best. He is very well in the club,” Carlos told TyC Sports, via SportWitness.
“We all know that in July there will be possibilities to be able to leave. But prior to the World Cup, Alexis renewed his contract so that the club also has the opportunity of an important transfer, so that a lot can reach Brighton. It’s the idea.”
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