Alexis Mac Allister is currently starring for Argentina under-23s in the Pre-Olympic tournament but the talented midfielder has confirmed that his current loan at Boca Juniors is being cut short to join Premier League club Brighton this month.

The 21-year-old signed for the Seagulls last January from Argentinos Juniors in a deal worth around €8.5 million but has remained in Argentina throughout 2019 on loan. Firstly with boyhood club Argentinos Juniors and then following in the footsteps of his father Carlos, at Boca Juniors, where Alexis reached the Copa Libertadores semi-final.

That loan deal at La Bombonera expired in June 2020 but with Mac Allister’s visa issues resolved and Brighton keen to get a closer look at their exciting signing, a deal has been struck to cut the loan short.

It is understood that Brighton will pay Boca €600,000 to terminate the loan now and will pay a further €200,000 in the event the south coast club remain in the Premier League.

Alexis made no secret of his love towards Boca when signing in June, given father and former full-back Carlos had played at La Bombonera in the early 90s and took to Instagram on Friday to bid supporters farewell.

‘Dear Boca fans, I want to tell you that, despite having only been at the club for six months, I have a great affection for all of you because you made me feel as if I had played in this great team my whole life,’ Mac Allister wrote.

‘Today I have to say goodbye and I want to thank the authorities of the institution for this opportunity that they give me to take advantage of this special work permit to be able to play in one of the best leagues in the world.

‘It was very difficult for me to take this decision but maybe it is an opportunity that will not be repeated due to not having an EU passport. The clubs reached an agreement thanks to the understanding of Boca and this gave me the opportunity to start my international experience.’

Mac Allister made 20 appearances at Boca, scoring twice and enhancing his reputation as the Xeniezes progressed to the Copa Libertadores semi-finals only to suffer defeat to rivals River Plate.

Currently with Argentina under-23s in Colombia, Alexis has already scored twice as the Albiceleste have cruised into the final stage and should Olympic qualification be achieved the 21-year-old would surely be a central part of Fernando Batista’s plans.

Undoubtedly a talented midfielder, who ideally operates in the spaces behind the striker and breaks into the penalty box late, Mac Allister showed a useful versatility at Boca. The youngster’s current role with Argentina is his more natural position and as such allows Mac Allister to pose a greater goal threat but it will be interesting to see what impact he can make on the Premier League.