Liverpool have taken their first step toward acquiring Monaco's talented winger Maghnes Akliouche, according to reports from Sky Sports News. The English club has reportedly reached out to assess the 24‑year‑old French international's possible availability, signalling a serious intent to add him to the squad. Akliouche, who has attracted interest from several top European sides, is currently a prime target for Paris Saint‑Germain.
PSG have tabled multiple bids for the player, but none have satisfied Monaco's valuation to date. The most recent offer from the Ligue 1 champions is believed to hover around £34 million (approximately €40 million), a figure that Monaco has yet to accept. The Frenchman was an unused substitute for France in the World Cup third‑place playoff, a thrilling 6‑4 loss to England. Although he did not get on the pitch, his presence on the bench underscored his standing within the national team set‑up.
Akliouche is versatile, capable of operating on the right flank or pulling the strings as an attacking midfielder. During the 2022‑23 Ligue 1 season he featured in 31 league matches, netting six goals and providing an equal number of assists, demonstrating a balanced contribution in both scoring and creating chances.
Sky Sports' Sam Blitz highlighted the significance of the move for Liverpool, noting that the club’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, has been vocal about the need for a quality winger. The departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of last season left a substantial void on the right side of the attack, and the Reds have been eager to find a suitable replacement. While the club recently secured Victor Muñoz from Osasuna for a reported £34.5 million, Iraola admitted in a pre‑season press conference that further reinforcement on the wing remains a priority.
"We definitely need to sign a winger," the manager said, emphasizing that the squad must be bolstered after Salah's exit. This statement aligns with the club's broader transfer strategy, which has already seen interest in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande. However, Leipzig's asking price—estimated at £112 million—far exceeds Liverpool's reported willingness to spend (£86 million), prompting the Reds to explore more affordable alternatives such as Akliouche. Akliouche's skill set makes him an intriguing prospect for Liverpool's evolving style of play.
He is a left‑footed player who can thrive on the right wing, offering the ability to cut inside and link up with central attackers. His recent performances in Ligue 1 showcased his proficiency as a ball carrier; he ranked among the best in France for the number of successful dribbles and progressive runs.
Additionally, he was one of the league's top creators, regularly delivering key passes that led to high‑quality chances. Beyond his creative attributes, Akliouche also excels in defensive work rate. He posted high numbers for ball recoveries and turnovers in the attacking third, traits that dovetail nicely with Iraola's high‑pressing philosophy. The manager has consistently emphasized the importance of winning the ball high up the pitch, and a player with Akliouche's tenacity could help implement that system effectively.
The potential signing also carries a certain level of prestige, as the French forward has already attracted attention from a club of PSG's stature. This exposure suggests he can handle the pressure of playing for a globally recognised side, an important consideration given the spotlight that comes with wearing the Liverpool shirt. If the transfer materialises, Akliouche could be slotted alongside Florian Wirtz, who is expected to build on his debut season at Anfield.
While Wirtz primarily operates as a number‑10, his ability to drift wide could complement Akliouche's more traditional wing role, providing Liverpool with a flexible attacking framework. In terms of market dynamics, Iraola remained cautious about specifying an exact number of signings required for his first campaign. He noted that the transfer market is fluid and that Liverpool must stay adaptable, weighing costs against the quality and fit of available players. "You have to always be open to new options to improve the squad," he explained, adding that the club will assess each opportunity based on its strategic needs and financial implications.
Overall, the initial approach for Akliouche marks a clear signal that Liverpool are moving beyond the Salah era and are actively seeking to reshape their attacking options. While negotiations are still in the early stages, the interest from both Liverpool and PSG indicates that the 24‑year‑old French winger is a highly coveted asset in European football. Should Liverpool succeed, Akliouche would not only fill a crucial positional gap but also bring a blend of creativity, work rate, and experience at the international level that could prove vital for the club's ambitions in the upcoming season.