Liverpool have taken their first steps toward acquiring Monaco's talented winger Maghnes Akliouche, according to sources close to the club. Sky Sports News reports that the English side have begun informal talks to gauge whether the 24‑year‑old French international could become available in the upcoming transfer window. Akliouche has emerged as a coveted asset for several top European teams, most notably Paris Saint‑Germain, who have already tabled multiple offers. To date, none of PSG's proposals have satisfied Monaco's valuation, and the Ligue 1 champions are believed to have put a price tag in the region of £34 million (approximately €40 million) on the player.
The Liverpool approach marks a clear signal that the new management team, led by Andoni Iraola, is ready to move on from the era of Mohamed Salah and rebuild the attacking line‑up with fresh talent. While the French forward can operate as a traditional No 10, his preferred position is a left‑footed winger on the right side of the pitch – a role that could complement Florian Wirtz, who is expected to continue his development at Anfield.
Akliouche's recent season in Ligue 1 provides a solid statistical foundation for his reputation. He featured in 31 league matches, netting six goals and contributing an equal number of assists.
Beyond the raw numbers, he was among the top ball carriers in the French top flight and ranked highly in chance‑creation metrics, demonstrating an ability to both drive forward with the ball and set up teammates. His aggressive pressing and high turnover rate also align well with Iraola's high‑intensity, press‑oriented philosophy, making him a potentially seamless fit for Liverpool's revamped tactical approach.
The winger also gained international exposure at the 2022 World Cup, sitting on the bench for France during the dramatic 6‑4 loss to England in the third‑place play‑off. Although he did not see minutes on the field, his inclusion in a squad that reached the semi‑finals underscores his growing stature on the global stage. Liverpool's recent activity in the market suggests a willingness to invest in promising players. The club completed the £34.5 million signing of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna earlier this summer.
Yet, during a pre‑season press conference ahead of a friendly against Sunderland in the United States, Iraola emphasized that further reinforcements were still required, particularly on the right flank. "We definitely need to sign a winger," the new manager declared, highlighting the urgency of replacing Salah, who departed at the end of the previous season. While there were rumors linking Liverpool with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, the German side reportedly set an asking price of around £112 million, a figure Liverpool were only prepared to meet partially at £86 million.
Consequently, the Reds have broadened their search, turning their attention to more attainable targets such as Akliouche. In discussing the broader transfer strategy, Iraola admitted that it is difficult to predict an exact number of signings required. He stressed the importance of staying flexible and responsive to market conditions, noting that the club must balance financial considerations with the need to address specific squad gaps.
"There are obvious situations that we know where we need to sign players. A winger, for example – we definitely need to sign a winger," he said, before adding that other positions also need assessment, especially where injuries have left the team short of depth.
Should Liverpool succeed in securing Akliouche, the player would join a squad undergoing a significant transition. The departure of Salah leaves a void not only in goal output but also in the creative spark that the Egyptian forward provided.
Akliouche's blend of pace, technical skill, and willingness to press high could help fill that void, offering Iraola a versatile option that can both score and create chances. Moreover, the interest from PSG adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Akliouche is accustomed to operating under intense scrutiny, having been linked with one of Europe's wealthiest clubs. This experience could prove beneficial in coping with the media pressure that comes with playing for a club of Liverpool's stature. In summary, Liverpool's preliminary outreach to Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche reflects a strategic push to reshape the attacking unit after a period of significant change.
The winger's proven Ligue 1 record, his suitability for Iraola's pressing system, and his potential to develop alongside emerging talents like Wirtz make him an appealing prospect. While negotiations are still in their infancy and no formal offer has been confirmed, the move signals Liverpool's intent to act decisively in the transfer market to restore balance and ambition to the squad.