Liverpool have taken the first step in trying to acquire Monaco's talented winger Maghnes Akliouche, according to sources close to the club. Sky Sports News reports that the English side have begun informal discussions to gauge whether the 24‑year‑old French international could be made available for a move to Anfield. Akliouche has emerged as a highly coveted prospect on the European market. Paris Saint‑Germain have been circling the player for some time, submitting a series of bids that Monaco has consistently rejected.
The most recent offer from the Ligue 1 champions is said to be in the region of £34 million (approximately €40 million), a figure that the Principality’s board has deemed insufficient. The Liverpool approach marks a clear signal that the club are ready to move on from the long‑standing reliance on Mohamed Salah, whose departure at the end of last season left a significant void on the right flank. Andoni Iraola, the new manager, has repeatedly stressed the need for a quality wide player to restore balance to the attack. In a pre‑season press conference before a friendly against Sunderland in the United States, Iraola said, “We definitely need to sign a winger,” underscoring the strategic importance of the position.
Akliouche’s profile fits the bill perfectly. The Frenchman can operate as a left‑footed right winger or as an attacking midfielder in a No 10 role, giving Iraola tactical flexibility.
He made 31 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco last season, contributing six goals and six assists, and was among the league’s most effective ball carriers and chance creators. His high turnover rate and aggressive pressing style align well with Iraola’s high‑intensity system, which demands players win the ball high up the pitch and transition quickly into attack.
The young forward also gained international exposure during the 2022 World Cup, where he was an unused substitute for France in the 6‑4 loss to England in the third‑place playoff. That experience, combined with his domestic performances, has raised his profile considerably. While he is primarily a right‑winger, his ability to drift into central areas and link play makes him a versatile option for a Liverpool side looking to replace Salah’s goal‑scoring threat while also adding creativity. Liverpool have already spent £34.5 million on Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, showing that the club are willing to invest in young talent.
However, the market remains fluid, and Iraola admitted that it is difficult to predict exactly how many players will be signed before his first season in charge. “You have to always be open to new options to improve the squad,” he said.
“There are obvious situations that we know where we need to sign players – a winger, for example – but there are other situations that we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what the cost is, and how we see the players we have.” Other potential targets have been mentioned, including RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, whose price tag of roughly £112 million is well beyond Liverpool’s current budget, even though the Reds reportedly offered £86 million. Consequently, the club appears to be focusing on more realistic options such as Akliouche, whose valuation is within reach and whose skill set directly addresses the team’s immediate needs. If the transfer materialises, Akliouche would join a Liverpool squad undergoing a significant transition. The departure of Salah has left a creative vacuum, and the club will need fresh attacking impetus to compete domestically and in Europe.
Akliouche’s proven ability to create chances, coupled with his willingness to press aggressively, could make him an ideal partner for Florian Wirtz, who is expected to build on his promising debut season at Anfield. Beyond the tactical considerations, the move would also have commercial implications.
A high‑profile French international can boost the club’s brand in continental markets, especially as Liverpool continue to expand their global fanbase. Moreover, securing a player who is already on the radar of PSG demonstrates Liverpool’s ambition to compete for top talent despite financial constraints.
In summary, Liverpool’s initial approach to Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche signals a proactive strategy to fill the right‑wing vacancy left by Salah’s exit. The Frenchman’s blend of pace, technical ability, and pressing intensity matches Andoni Iraola’s vision for a high‑octane, forward‑looking Liverpool.
While negotiations are still in the early stages and no formal offer has been disclosed, the interest from both Liverpool and PSG suggests that Akliouche’s future will be a focal point of the upcoming transfer window. The next few weeks will reveal whether the Merseyside club can convert this early interest into a concrete deal and, ultimately, add a new creative spark to Anfield’s attacking line‑up.