Brighton have signed a player with the most sensational name imaginable.
The Seagulls, who also own the Premier League’s first ever Percy, announced the arrival of 20-year-old midfielder Alexis Mac Allister on Thursday, having paid £6.9m for a 90 per cent share of his economic rights, whatever that means.
Mac Allister will remain with Argentinos Juniors on loan until the summer before making the move to the Premier League ahead of next season.
He is Argentinian, and he is called Alexis Mac Allister. We are already in love with him.
“Alexis is an exciting young player that we have brought in for the future, and he has already made a big impact playing in Argentina,” Chris Hughton told Brighton’s website.
“It is in the best interests of all three parties to allow him to return to Juniors, as he will be able to continue playing regular first-team football in a very competitive league.
“We will keep a close eye on his development over the coming months, and it is a pleasure to welcome him to the football club.”
Mac Allister, who is not Scottish, added: “The main reason I signed was because they came to Argentina looking for me, and they seemed very convinced about me.
“They made a big effort, told me about their project and their ideas to keep growing in this league, and I liked their ideas. I liked what they said. We kept in contact with [head of recruitment and analysis] Paul [Winstanley] and I was eventually able to come and sign everything.
“I watch a lot of football and for me the English league is the best in the world. It is above all the other leagues. That’s the challenge for me, to be able to perform in that league and to bring my contribution to this team. I feel I am a player who really likes to get on the ball, that is my style.
“I am really pleased I can go back for six months and help Argentinos, and these six months will help me a lot. I will keep progressing with my team and be calm in my head. I’ll be able to enjoy playing for the club which has given me everything.”