Carlos Mac Allister says that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was a “crucial figure” in ensuring that his son Alexis joined the Reds instead of a Premier League rival.

Both Chelsea and Manchester City were also linked with signing the Argentinian international but, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the player’s father said that Klopp’s influence ended up proving pivotal:

“Jurgen Klopp was crucial a figure in the transfer. He was talking with Alexis. When he received the phone call from Jurgen it was important in deciding which team he should choose to play for.”

“Already Alexis likes to work with Jurgen, and Jurgen likes to work with Alexis. I think that is very important for a player to train at a place where you feel loved, and also your trainer and mates trust you at every moment.”

Klopp’s pulling power

It can often be underplayed when so much of the focus is on money, but a manager’s ability to persuade a player is also important when it comes to transfers.

Obviously, when you have a reputation such as Klopp, it is easier to bring in your top targets, and it seems he was vital in helping the Reds secure the signature of Mac Allister ahead of their rivals.

Liverpool got themselves a bargain when they signed Mac Allister

There is some dispute about the final price that the Reds paid for the midfielder but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the Merseysiders only ended up stumping up £35m to sign him due to a release clause in his contract with Brighton.

Considering Mac Allister is still only 24 years of age, and is already a World Cup winner, that is a bargain. The player will be hoping to build on his bright start to life at Anfield.

Watch a preview of Liverpool’s next game against Brighton this weekend on Shots! TV here