Liverpool have taken the first step in trying to sign Monaco's talented winger Maghnes Akliouche, according to sources close to the club. Sky Sports News reports that the English side have begun informal enquiries to gauge whether the 24‑year‑old French international might be available for a move to Anfield. Akliouche has emerged as a highly coveted prospect this summer, with Paris Saint‑Germain reportedly leading the race for his signature.
PSG have tabled several bids, none of which have satisfied Monaco's valuation so far. 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 Monaco has so far deemed insufficient.
The Frenchman was part of the France squad that contested the World Cup third‑place play‑off against England, where he featured on the bench as the side fell 6‑4. Primarily deployed on the right flank, Akliouche can also operate as an attacking midfielder, giving him the versatility to slot into a number of roles in a modern front line. In the 2023‑24 Ligue 1 season he featured in 31 matches, netting six goals and providing an equal number of assists, statistics that underline his dual threat as both a scorer and a creator.
Liverpool’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, has been vocal about the need to reinforce the wide areas after the departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of last season. "We definitely need to sign a winger," Iraola said in a pre‑season press conference ahead of the friendly against Sunderland in the United States.
While the Reds have already secured the £34.5 million acquisition of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, Iraola admitted that further additions were essential to restore balance to a squad that has lost its primary goal‑scoring outlet on the right wing. Akliouche fits the profile Iraola is after for several reasons. First, his ability to play as a left‑footed right winger mirrors the role Salah once occupied, offering a natural replacement who can stretch defences and deliver quality crosses.
Second, his technical skill set includes an eye for goal, as demonstrated by his six league goals, and a proven capacity to create chances, reflected in his six assists and a high ranking among Ligue 1’s top chance‑creation statistics. Moreover, data analysts highlighted him as one of the best ball carriers in France last season, a trait that aligns well with Liverpool’s high‑pressing, quick‑transition style under Iraola.
Beyond the raw numbers, Akliouche also excels in pressing metrics. He recorded a high number of successful turnovers in the final third, indicating a willingness to win the ball back aggressively—a hallmark of Iraola’s tactical philosophy.
His relentless work‑rate and ability to disrupt opposition build‑up would complement the Reds’ desire to dominate possession high up the pitch. The interest from Liverpool is not occurring in a vacuum. Earlier reports linked the club with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, but Leipzig set an asking price of roughly £112 million, a sum Liverpool were only prepared to meet at around £86 million. With that deal appearing unlikely, the focus has shifted to more affordable yet still high‑quality options such as Akliouche.
The French forward’s market value, while still significant, is more manageable for Liverpool given their recent spending on Muñoz and the potential for a future resale profit if he flourishes at Anfield. Should the transfer materialise, Akliouche would join a Liverpool side undergoing a period of transition. The squad still features several players who have yet to cement a regular starting berth, and the manager has emphasized the importance of flexibility in the transfer market. "You have to always be open to new options to improve the squad," Iraola explained, noting that the club will assess the market, consider costs, and evaluate existing personnel before committing to further deals.
He added that injuries have left some positions in a sub‑optimal state, reinforcing the urgency of bringing in fresh talent. Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, Akliouche’s profile offers commercial appeal. As a French international who has already attracted attention from one of Europe’s biggest clubs, his arrival would generate excitement among the Liverpool fan base and potentially open new sponsorship avenues in the French market.
Additionally, his age—24—places him at a point where he can develop further while also contributing immediately, a balance that many top clubs seek when investing in a winger. In summary, Liverpool’s preliminary outreach to Monaco signals a clear intention to replace the creative spark lost with Salah’s exit. Akliouche’s blend of speed, technical ability, pressing intensity, and proven Ligue 1 performance makes him a compelling candidate to fill that void.
While negotiations are still in their infancy and Monaco have yet to accept any offers, the Reds appear poised to explore every viable avenue to secure a winger capable of thriving in their high‑tempo system. The coming weeks will reveal whether Liverpool can convert this initial approach into a concrete deal, potentially reshaping the club’s attacking dynamics for the upcoming season.