Brighton’s chief executive Paul Barber admitted the club was in a position for other clubs to spend heavily on their players, amid reported interest in Alexis Mac Allister.
The Seagulls have recouped a significant budget since their arrival in the Premier League and have been able to update those recovered through their most spenniving rivals. Yves Bissouma, Leandro Trossard and Marc Cucurella are among those who have left in the last 12 months, with Kaoru Mitoma and Moises Caicedo – or already in the club’s books – stepping up.
Mac Allister is a guy who has filled a void, joining in 2019 and becoming a vital player in the first team under Graham Potter and then Roberto De Zerbi. However, if the Argentine star leaves, it looks like the Seagulls have a plan.
“There will be rumours when we are doing well and our other people are doing well,” Barber told Sky Sports. “There will be bigger clubs betting at a higher level, looking for our most productive players.
“All we can do is play to our full potential and we are confident that we can keep our most productive players here for as long as possible. Nothing is guaranteed in football, but we will work hard to keep them here. “
“We know it’s going to happen [teams come hunting for players], so we need to prepare as productively as we can ahead of time. We are investigating to see where we are perhaps most vulnerable to exits. We tested to create the most productive environment imaginable for our players. Therefore, they must remain here. I hope they see that staying here is better for their career than not doing it. “
Should Brighton bet on Alexis Mac Allister? Give us your opinion in the comments section
“Every club is a promoter club to some extent. Even the biggest clubs are tempted by massive offers,” Barber continued. “Our challenge, when we lose players, is to have players at the gate or have some come after them. We will continue to recruit as we have and continue to build for the future. “
Mac Allister’s new contract, signed ahead of the World Cup, means any bidder would have to come up with a significant sum. A move to Liverpool has reportedly been the topic of conversation among Brighton’s players, as the Reds have opportunities after abandoning the race for Jude. Bellingham.
Caicedo may also be on the move, signing a new contract mid-season. Arsenal were interested in the midfielder, who has become even more important to Brighton since Bissouma left for Tottenham.
At the beginning of the season, Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, told Puro Boca that he probably had the idea of moving in the summer. “Normally, the next [transfer window] will see him play at some other institution, we don’t know which one,” he said. “The talks are just beginning in general, but most likely Alexis will already play for some other team next July. “
What do Liverpool want to win the title? Stay up to date with all the news of the Reds with our FREE newsletter