Liverpool are in the midst of a new era at Anfield right now, and things are going relatively well.

New manager Andoni Iraola has come in as the successor to Premier League winner Arne Slot and begun his reign with eight wins from his opening 12 games in charge, with just one defeat against Man City in that time too.

The Spaniard has been able to build a rapport with his squad quickly and implement his philosophy and style well, which has seen several first-team players enjoy a strong start to the season. It's also seen new signings Victor Munoz, Ronald Araujo and Bradley Barcola hit the ground running with their new team, while players like Alexander Isak and Jeremy Jacquet have been excellent too.

But one of the most impressive things that Iraola has done since his arrival at Anfield has been rejuvenating some players who had been struggling in more recent times.

Isak, as mentioned, is one who has benefited from his arrival, and the Sweden international is currently the team's top scorer this season. Cody Gakpo started the season on fire before suffering an injury, and he has looked electric in most appearances, despite being linked with an exit all summer.

But in midfield, Alexis Mac Allister has rediscovered the form that made him a key part of the squad that won the Premier League title just two years ago, and he is looking somewhat back to his best under Iraola's management.

So it was a huge surprise to hear that according to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the club have decided against handing him a new contract, and a 2027 exit now looks to be on the cards for the World Cup winner.

Mac Allister, who earns around £150,000-a-week, is understood to have been informed that a new contract isn't forthcoming ahead of his current deal expiring in 2028, and his agent and representatives have decided to begin offering out his services for 2027 nice and early, with clubs in Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia contacted about a potential move.

The former Brighton man would prefer to stay at Anfield, and would be delighted to hear of a U-turn from above, but a move is now considered to be a 'concrete possibility'.

Mac Allister Can't Be Allowed to Leave

Liverpool have seen a number of first-team players leave in recent years for no transfer fee, and with limited upgrades being brought in to replace them.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Curtis Jones have all left for a combined fee of around £30m, which is simply not good enough for a club like Liverpool. But the Reds also have Alisson Becker and Virgil Van Dijk out of contract at the end of this season, and exits look more likely than renewals.

Building a new squad is never easy, but losing so many important players in a short period of time makes things even more difficult. It's fine if the players are beginning to see their performance levels drop, but Mac Allister is still crucial to the side and playing well. Letting him leave would be a crazy decision, especially at this stage.

Replacing him will be very hard because of the qualities and experience he has, and any new signings will come in with huge expectation and pressure. A new contract would make far more sense for the Reds, and if it means his role begins to reduce in a year or two, then moving him on should be looked at.

But letting him go in 2027 is a big mistake, and it's one that Iraola will surely regret if it's allowed to happen.