Liverpool have taken their first step toward acquiring Monaco's French winger Maghnes Akliouche, according to sources at Sky Sports News. The English club is reportedly gauging the 24‑year‑old's availability as they look to reinforce a side that has lost Mohamed Salah and now needs a fresh attacking outlet on the right flank.
Akliouche, a France international who featured on the bench in the World Cup third‑place match where France fell 6‑4 to England, is a versatile attacker capable of operating as a right‑winger or an advanced midfielder. In the 2022‑23 Ligue 1 campaign he logged 31 appearances, contributed six goals and supplied an equal number of assists, establishing himself as one of the league's most effective ball carriers and a prolific creator of chances. Paris Saint‑Germain have also expressed strong interest in the player, having tabled several offers that Monaco has so far rejected.
The most recent bid from the Ligue 1 champions is said to hover around £34 million (approximately €40 million), a figure that appears to match Liverpool's initial valuation for a potential signing. Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's newly appointed manager, has been vocal about the necessity of adding a winger to the squad. Speaking at a pre‑season press conference ahead of a friendly against Sunderland in the United States, Iraola said, "We definitely need to sign a winger," underscoring the club's intention to replace Salah's departed influence on the right side of the pitch.
The Reds have already splashed £34.5 million on Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, but Iraola admitted that further reinforcements are required to give his side the depth and variety needed for a competitive campaign. While the club had previously been linked with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, Leipzig's asking price of roughly £112 million – with Liverpool reportedly willing to meet £86 million – makes that option less realistic for the moment. Consequently, attention has turned to more attainable targets such as Akliouche. Akliouche's skill set aligns well with Iraola's high‑pressing, high‑tempo philosophy.
In France he ranked among the top players for ball recoveries in advanced areas, reflecting a willingness to win the ball high up the pitch – a trait that would complement Liverpool's aggressive pressing game. Moreover, his statistical profile shows he was one of Ligue 1's leading chance creators, frequently delivering key passes that unlocked defences. His ability to operate both as a left‑footed right winger and as a number‑10 adds tactical flexibility, allowing Iraola to experiment with different formations and attacking patterns. If Liverpool succeed in securing Akliouche, the player would likely slot into the right‑wing role, providing a direct replacement for Salah's departed position.
Florian Wirtz, the club's promising young midfielder, is expected to continue his development in a more central role, while Akliouche would be tasked with stretching opposition defences, delivering crosses, and contributing to goal‑scoring opportunities. The transfer market remains fluid, and Iraola cautioned against setting a fixed number of signings. "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 that we know where we need to sign players – a winger, for example – but there are other situations that we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what's the cost, and how we also see the players we have." Beyond the tactical considerations, Akliouche's profile has attracted considerable media attention. His performances for Monaco have placed him among the most watched young talents in Europe, and his potential move to either Liverpool or PSG would be closely scrutinised by fans and analysts alike. The French winger's reputation for high work‑rate, technical ability, and creative vision makes him a compelling prospect for any top‑level side seeking to rejuvenate its attack.
Liverpool's pursuit of Akliouche signals a broader strategic shift under Iraola, as the club moves away from reliance on a single superstar and toward a more balanced, collective approach. By adding a player with a blend of speed, dribbling, and playmaking, the Reds hope to diversify their offensive options and re‑establish themselves as a force in both domestic and European competitions.
While the exact terms of any potential deal remain undisclosed, the reported £34 million valuation suggests Liverpool are prepared to invest significantly to secure a player they believe can make an immediate impact. Should negotiations progress, fans can expect further updates as the transfer window draws closer to its deadline. In summary, Liverpool's initial approach to Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche marks the first concrete step in a campaign to rebuild the right side of their attack after Salah's departure. The French winger's versatility, pressing aptitude, and proven creative output make him a fitting candidate for Andoni Iraola's vision, and his potential arrival could herald a new era of attacking dynamism at Anfield.