Many Liverpool fans were left thrilled when the club announced their new home shirt for the 2023/24 campaign.
The scaled-back, old-style shirt is minimalist and sleek and harks back to the glory years of Bill Shankly. Something the fans care more about, however, is the players who will be wearing it.
There is excitement from Reds supporters over a move for Argentina and Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister. 90min understands the Anfield giants are keen to get a deal sewn up as soon as possible, with other European giants monitoring the situation.
Here are the shirt options he could take on Merseyside and his previous squad numbers.
Mac Allister has laid claim to the number 10 shirt at Brighton since his debut Premier League season in 2019/20. He had ended his spell with Argentinos Juniors with the same number but spent two campaigns with Boca Juniors with 8 on his back.
Earlier in his Juniors spell, he wore the 16, 15, 14, 13, 9 and 28 numbers.
There is little to read into when it comes to his squad number for the Argentinian national team. He wore 20 at the 2022 World Cup but when you’ve got Lionel Messi in the squad, you have to take what you’re given.
It is an unusual time at Liverpool when it comes to shirt numbers. Three of the most famous numbers in the sport could well be up for grabs for those joining the club in the summer.
The number ten shirt was vacated by Sadio Mane in the summer when he joined Bayern Munich and wasn’t picked up by any incoming players. It’s up for grabs whether it be for a new player or a current squad member who fancies the added pressure of being No.10.
James Milner is also due to end his spell with Liverpool. He’s closing in on a move to Brighton, which would leave the No.7 shirt available for any potential arrivals.
The final number that will become free is No.9 as Roberto Firmino is not renewing his contract with Liverpool. The No.9 and No.10 are arguably the most coveted numbers in football, with the No.7 not too far behind.
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There is one number that stands out much more than the others here as the logical one for Mac Allister to take. He currently wears No.10 for Brighton which means should he choose that number, it would be a pretty seamless transition for any branding that he may have.
It would be very odd if he took the No. 9 shirt as he’s a midfielder, but having the No.7 would not be too unusual for a player of his type.
It also can’t be ruled out that Liverpool give Mac Allister a totally different squad number and make three even bigger signings to take those important numbers. However, with the price at £70m, that seems unlikely.
Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle are all keeping tabs on the situation, so that price could rise still.
