Alexis will get a special welcome back

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Chief executive Paul Barber says everyone connected with the club shares in Mac Allister's World Cup success.

Bruce Talbot

2022-12-19T13:31:00Z

Alexis Mac Allister kisses the trophy after becoming a World Cup winner

World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister can look forward to a ‘special’ welcome when he returns to the club.

The Albion midfielder is heading to Buenos Aires as Argentina continue to celebrate Sunday’s World Cup final victory over France when Mac Allister created their first goal and gave a man of the match performance.

Chief executive Paul Barber says there is no timescale for when Alexis will be back at Brighton but says he can look forward to a memorable return.

“I think it will be a special welcome,” said Barber. “The players put together a video with good luck messages before the final which he thanked us for sending. He’s a very humble young man and because of that he is very popular in the dressing room. They are aware of the quality he brings, and he’ll get a great reception.

The Argentina team before facing France in the World Cup final

“Alexis can’t wait to show the medal to the players and staff, and I think that shows what sort of special character he is. But it’s going to be a special few days in Buenos Aires and he and the Argentina squad deserve to celebrate that in their own country.”

Mac Allister was one of eight Albion players who took part in the World Cup.

“It’s a very special moment for the club,” said Barber. Twenty-five years ago, the club was close to going out of business and now we have a World Cup winner.

“We’re delighted for Alexis and his family. He’s worked so hard since he joined us and he’s now played nearly 80 games for us in the Premier League and got better and better. For him to break into the Argentina team during a World Cup, keep his place, score his first goal for his country and then end up with a winners’ medal is fairy-tale stuff.

“I sent him a message after the final not for one minute expecting a reply, but he replied and he thanked me and everyone at the club for their best wishes. He’s 24 on Christmas Eve, so what a birthday present for him.

“I thought he was magnificent in the final. To get a superb assist was an incredible moment for him, his family and the club.”

Mac Allister agreed a new contract with the club earlier this season until the summer of 2025 with a year’s option, but Barber accepts that he will be in high demand after his performances in Qatar.

“When any of our players do well it’s going to attract the interest of other wealthier clubs. This is a young man who at 23 has just won the World Cup and set up one of the most iconic World Cup final goals in history. He will be sought after but we hope to keep him here for as long as we can.”