Liverpool have taken the first step in pursuing Monaco's talented winger Maghnes Akliouche, according to reports from Sky Sports News. The English club is reportedly checking on the 24‑year‑old French international's possible availability, signalling a clear intent to add him to the squad.
Akliouche has emerged as a hot commodity this summer, with Paris Saint‑Germain also circling the player. PSG have tabled several bids, but Monaco have so far turned down each offer, deeming them insufficient. The most recent proposition from the French champions is said to be in the region of £34 million (approximately €40 million), a figure that still falls short of Monaco's expectations. For Liverpool supporters, the news arrives at a pivotal moment.
The club has recently lost its marquee forward Mohamed Salah, and manager Andoni Iraola has repeatedly emphasized the need to replace the Egyptian star’s creative output on the right flank. In a press conference ahead of a pre‑season friendly against Sunderland in the United States, Iraola plainly stated, "We definitely need to sign a winger," underscoring the urgency of finding a suitable successor. Akliouche fits the bill perfectly. Primarily a right‑winger, he is also comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder or a number 10, offering tactical flexibility.
He is left‑footed, which allows him to cut inside from the right and unleash shots or incisive passes. Last season in Ligue 1 he featured in 31 matches, 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 chances. Moreover, his high turnover rate – the frequency with which he wins the ball back high up the pitch – aligns well with Iraola’s high‑pressing philosophy. The Frenchman also gained a taste of the international stage, sitting on the bench for France during the 6‑4 World Cup third‑place defeat to England. While he did not feature, his inclusion in a squad that reached the semi‑finals highlights his rising reputation.
Liverpool’s recent activity in the transfer market suggests they have the resources to make a serious bid. The Reds completed the £34.5 million signing of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna earlier this summer, and the club’s financial backers appear ready to invest further. However, the market remains fluid. Iraola, when asked about the number of signings required for his inaugural campaign, cautioned that it is difficult to put a precise figure on it, noting that "you have to always be open to new options to improve the squad." He reiterated the specific need for a winger while acknowledging that other positions also demand attention, especially where injuries have left the squad thin.
Akliouche’s profile is not limited to his on‑field attributes. He has already attracted considerable attention from elite clubs, meaning any Liverpool approach will need to be both swift and compelling. The player’s ability to perform under scrutiny – having been linked with PSG and monitored by several top‑tier European sides – suggests he can handle the pressure that comes with playing for a club of Liverpool’s stature. In addition to Akliouche, Liverpool have been linked with other high‑profile targets such as RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.
However, Leipzig’s asking price of around £112 million is likely beyond Liverpool’s current budget, even though the Reds indicated a willingness to meet it with an £86 million offer. Consequently, Akliouche presents a more realistic and financially viable option.
If the Reds succeed in securing Akliouche, he could slot directly into the right‑wing role that Salah once dominated. His left‑footedness would allow him to drift inside, creating space for overlapping full‑backs and adding a new dimension to Liverpool’s attacking play. Additionally, his experience as a playmaker means he could also be deployed centrally, providing Iraola with a versatile tool to adapt his tactics during matches.
Beyond the tactical considerations, Akliouche’s arrival would signal Liverpool’s broader strategy under Iraola: a willingness to blend proven talent with promising young prospects. By targeting a player who has already demonstrated consistency in a top European league and who possesses a high ceiling, the club aims to rebuild a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts while laying foundations for future success. Overall, Liverpool’s initial approach to Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche marks a significant development in the club’s transfer saga. It reflects a clear intent to address the void left by Salah, reinforces Iraola’s commitment to a high‑pressing, dynamic style of play, and showcases the club’s readiness to invest in a player who can contribute immediately while also offering long‑term upside.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Liverpool can turn this interest into a concrete deal and how Akliouche’s potential move could reshape the Reds’ attacking options for the upcoming season.