Liverpool have made an initial approach to Monaco regarding the availability of winger Maghnes Akliouche, according to Sky Sports. The 24-year-old France international has emerged as a transfer target as the club seeks to bolster its attacking options following the departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of last season.
Liverpool Initiate Contact for Monaco Winger Maghnes Akliouche
Akliouche, who is capable of playing on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder, recorded seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Monaco during his most recent campaign. His career statistics at the club include 139 senior appearances, 23 goals, and 28 assists. Beyond his club contributions, the forward has earned 10 senior caps for France, netting one goal for Les Bleus.
Transfer Competition with Paris Saint-Germain
Liverpool face significant competition for the player’s signature, as Paris Saint-Germain have tracked Akliouche as a prime target. The Ligue 1 champions have reportedly had three bids for the winger rejected by Monaco, with the most recent offer believed to be in the region of £34 million (€40 million).
While reports indicate that PSG are viewed as favorites for the 24-year-old, Liverpool’s interest adds a new dimension to the pursuit. The two clubs have also been linked to other wide players this summer, including RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and PSG winger Bradley Barcola. While Liverpool have explored moves for these alternatives, high valuations—such as the estimated £112 million price tag for Diomande or the £120 million valuation placed on Barcola—have complicated those potential deals.
Andoni Iraola’s Search for Reinforcements
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has publicly acknowledged the necessity of signing a winger to address the current squad composition. During a press conference ahead of a pre-season friendly in the USA, Iraola emphasized that reinforcements are required to fill the void left by key departures.
We definitely need to sign a winger,
Iraola stated. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players… but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have.
The club has already secured the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million, but Iraola indicated that the club remains open to further options as the transfer window progresses. According to Sportbible, the search for depth is intended to support existing attackers, including Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, and the newly arrived Munoz.
Tactical Fit and Market Valuation
Analysis suggests that Akliouche’s playing style aligns with the tactical demands of the Liverpool setup. Known for his pace and dribbling ability, the forward also ranked highly for high turnovers last season, a trait that fits the high-pressing approach favored by the coaching staff.
As the club evaluates its options, the financial aspect of the deal remains a critical factor. While some reports have suggested a potential valuation of around £42 million (€50 million) for the player, Liverpool’s strategy relies on assessing multiple profiles to ensure that investments align with fair market value. As noted by the Daily Star, the club’s interest in Akliouche reflects a broader effort to identify high-potential talent capable of operating in the space previously occupied by Salah. Whether the Reds proceed with a formal bid will depend on their analysis of the market and the availability of other targets currently on their shortlist.
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