Liverpool have taken the first step in trying to sign Monaco's dynamic winger Maghnes Akliouche, according to reports from Sky Sports News. The English club is said to have made an initial enquiry about the 24‑year‑old French international, checking whether he could be made available in the upcoming transfer window. Akliouche has emerged as a highly coveted prospect this summer.
Paris Saint‑Germain, the reigning Ligue 1 champions, have been publicly linked with the player and have reportedly tabled several bids, none of which have satisfied Monaco's asking price. The latest PSG offer 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 match, a 6‑4 loss to England, underscoring his status as a rising talent on the international stage. Primarily a right‑winger, he can also operate as an attacking midfielder or a left‑footed inside forward on the right flank, giving him the versatility that modern managers prize. In the 2022‑23 Ligue 1 campaign Akliouche featured in 31 games, netting six goals and providing an equal number of assists. His statistical profile was impressive: he ranked among the top ball carriers in the French league and was one of the leading creators of goal‑scoring opportunities.
Moreover, his high turnover rate – the frequency with which he wins the ball back in advanced areas – aligns well with Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola’s preference for a high‑pressing, fast‑paced style of play. Iraola’s remarks during a recent press conference highlighted the urgency of adding a quality winger to the squad. With Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of last season leaving a void on the right side of the attack, the club’s recruitment focus has sharpened.
"We definitely need to sign a winger," the new boss said, emphasizing that the team must broaden its options out wide. The Akliouche pursuit marks the first tangible sign that Liverpool are moving beyond the Salah era and are looking to rebuild the right‑hand side of their front line. While the French forward can play as a No 10, his natural position is a left‑footed right winger – a role that could complement Florian Wirtz, who is expected to continue his development at Anfield after a promising debut season.
Beyond his technical abilities, Akliouche brings a high ceiling of potential. Analysts note that his dribbling, pace, and vision make him one of the most promising young attackers in France. His capacity to create chances and his willingness to press aggressively would suit Iraola’s philosophy, which emphasizes winning the ball high up the pitch and transitioning quickly to attack. Liverpool have already secured the £34.5 million signing of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, but the manager admitted that further reinforcements are required to compete at the highest level.
In addition to Akliouche, the club has been linked with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, though Leipzig’s asking price of roughly £112 million – with Liverpool reportedly willing to meet £86 million – makes that option considerably more expensive. When asked about the number of signings needed for his inaugural season, Iraola cautioned against setting a fixed target. "It’s difficult to say a number when the market is open," he explained. "You have to always be open to new options to improve the squad.
There are obvious situations where we know we need to sign players – a winger, for example – but we also have to analyse what the market gives us, the cost, and how the players we already have fit in." He also mentioned that certain positions remain fragile due to injuries, and while the club trusts its current options, they are not ideal. This pragmatic approach suggests that Liverpool will continue to scout a range of targets, balancing financial considerations with tactical needs. Akliouche’s profile fits neatly into this framework. Not only does he bring the technical skill set required to replace Salah’s creativity, but his experience in a top European league and his involvement with the French national team add a layer of maturity that could help Liverpool transition smoothly under Iraola’s guidance.
If the negotiations progress positively, Liverpool could present a compelling case to Monaco: a club with a new manager eager to stamp his identity on the squad, a clear tactical role for the winger, and the financial backing to meet a reasonable valuation. For Akliouche, the move would represent a step up to the Premier League, offering greater exposure and the chance to test himself against some of the world’s best defenders. In summary, Liverpool’s initial approach to Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche signals a strategic shift as the club rebuilds after Salah’s exit. The French winger’s blend of speed, creativity, pressing intensity, and versatility aligns with Iraola’s vision of a high‑energy, attack‑focused side.
While price negotiations and competition from PSG remain hurdles, the Reds appear committed to securing a player who can immediately bolster their right flank and contribute to a new era at Anfield. The next few weeks will reveal whether Liverpool can convert this early interest into a formal bid and ultimately a completed transfer, potentially reshaping the squad’s attacking dynamics for the upcoming season.