Liverpool have taken their first step toward acquiring Monaco's talented wide player Maghnes Akliouche, according to sources at Sky Sports News. The English club reportedly inquired about the 24‑year‑old French international’s possible availability, signalling a serious interest in bolstering their attacking options. Akliouche, who has already attracted the attention of Paris Saint‑Germain, has been the subject of several bids from the Ligue 1 giants, yet none have satisfied Monaco’s asking price so far. The most recent PSG proposal is said to hover around £34 million (approximately €40 million).
The Liverpool pursuit marks a notable shift for the club, which has been grappling with the departure of long‑time talisman Mohamed Salah. Andoni Iraola, the newly appointed manager, has repeatedly stressed the need for a quality winger to replace the Egyptian star’s creative spark. In a pre‑season press conference before a friendly against Sunderland in the United States, Iraola admitted that the squad still requires reinforcement on the flanks, stating, "We definitely need to sign a winger." Akliouche’s profile fits the bill perfectly. Primarily a right‑winger, he is also comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder or a left‑footed right‑sided forward, offering tactical flexibility.
Last season in Ligue 1 he featured in 31 matches, netting six goals and providing an equal number of assists. His statistical output placed him among the league’s top ball carriers and one of the leading creators of goal‑scoring opportunities. 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, which demands relentless aggression and quick transitions.
The Frenchman’s reputation extends beyond raw numbers. He was part of the France squad that contested the World Cup third‑place play‑off against England, where he sat on the bench as the side fell 6‑4.
While he did not feature on the day, his inclusion in such a high‑profile tournament underscores his standing among the nation’s elite players. Liverpool’s interest in Akliouche also reflects a broader strategy to diversify their attacking arsenal. Florian Wirtz, the German prodigy who impressed during his debut season at Anfield, is expected to continue developing as a central creative force.
Adding Akliouche on the right wing would give Iraola a complementary outlet, allowing Wirtz to operate in a more withdrawn role while the new signing stretches opposition defenses with his pace and dribbling. The pursuit of Akliouche comes amid other transfer rumours swirling around Liverpool.
Earlier reports linked the club with RB Leipzig’s Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, but Leipzig’s price tag of roughly £112 million – with Liverpool allegedly willing to meet £86 million – appears prohibitive. Consequently, the Reds have turned their attention to more attainable targets such as Akliouche, whose valuation sits closer to the club’s recent spending pattern.
In the summer window Liverpool already secured Victor Muñoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million, a signing that demonstrates their willingness to invest in promising talent. Iraola’s comments about the transfer market were measured. He acknowledged that pinpointing an exact number of signings is difficult when the market is fluid, emphasizing that the club must stay adaptable and evaluate each opportunity on its merits.
"You have to always be open to new options to improve the squad," he said, highlighting the importance of both strategic planning and flexibility. He also noted that certain positions remain problematic due to injuries, reinforcing the urgency of finding suitable replacements. Should Liverpool succeed in signing Akliouche, the move would not only address the immediate need for a right‑wing replacement but also provide a long‑term solution.
The Frenchman’s age – still only 24 – suggests considerable room for growth, and his experience in a top European league equips him with the resilience required for the Premier League’s physical demands. Additionally, his familiarity with high‑pressing systems means he could integrate quickly into Iraola’s tactical setup, potentially accelerating the team’s transition under the new manager.
Beyond the tactical implications, Akliouche’s potential arrival would generate significant excitement among Liverpool supporters. The club’s fanbase, eager for fresh talent after Salah’s exit, would welcome a player who combines flair, work‑rate, and a proven track record in a major European competition. Moreover, the narrative of Liverpool competing with PSG for his signature adds an extra layer of intrigue, underscoring the player’s rising stock on the continent. In summary, Liverpool’s preliminary approach to Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche signals a proactive effort to reshape their attacking line‑up following a period of transition.
The French winger’s versatility, statistical pedigree, and compatibility with Andoni Iraola’s high‑pressing ideology make him an attractive prospect. While negotiations are still in their infancy and Monaco has yet to accept any offers, the reported interest from the English club highlights a clear intent to secure a quality replacement for Salah and to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level under their new manager.