Alexis Mac Allister has explained why he has turned down the opportunity to wear Steven Gerrard's iconic number eight shirt at Liverpool.
Liverpool confirmed the signing of Mac Allister from Brighton on Thursday, with the club only stating that he had joined on a 'long-term' deal for an undisclosed fee.
It is believed that Mac Allister has signed a five-year contract at Anfield worth £150,000 per week after Liverpool triggered a release clause in his contract at the Amex Stadium.
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There are conflicting reports over how much Liverpool have paid for the Argentina international, with some outlets claiming he has cost the Reds as little as £35m – with other sources reporting up to £55m.
Whatever the final fee, Liverpool will be delighted to have secured the signing of Mac Allister ahead of the window officially opening for English clubs on June 14.
Mac Allister will wear the number 10 shirt at Liverpool which was vacated by Sadio Mane following his move to Bayern Munich last summer.
The Argentine was offered the chance to wear the number eight shirt which was previously worn by Liverpool legend Gerrard and recently vacated by Naby Keita after his summer exit from Anfield.
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But Mac Allister turned it down to take the shirt number he wore at Brighton.
Explaining his decision, he told the club's website: "I know how important number 10 is in football.
"I had the possibility to take the number eight as well, which is a big number for this club because of [Steven] Gerrard of course.
"But I decided for number 10 because I use it in Argentina, in Brighton and U23 national team as well.
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"It's a number that I really like and that's why I chose it."
Who else could Liverpool sign this summer?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to sign several players this summer after allowing James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita to leave the club at the end of their contracts.
The Reds have been linked with several midfield targets including Nice's Khephren Thuram, Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone and Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga.
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Liverpool may also look to sign a left-sided centre-back this summer, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka, Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven and Levi Colwill - who spent the season on loan at Brighton from Chelsea - just some of the names linked with the Reds.
Liverpool may also look to sign another right-back as cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should the club's transfer budget stretch to that.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & Liverpool FCTopics: Liverpool, Football, Alexis Mac Allister, Steven Gerrard