Liverpool have taken the first step in trying to bring Monaco's dynamic winger Maghnes Akliouche to Anfield. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the English club have made an initial enquiry about the 24‑year‑old French international to gauge whether he might be available for a move.
Akliouche has emerged as a hot‑property target for several elite teams, most notably Paris Saint‑Germain, who have already tabled a number of offers that Monaco has turned down. The latest bid from the Ligue 1 champions is reported to be in the region of £34 million (about €40 million), but the Monegasque side has yet to accept any of the proposals. The former Monaco academy graduate made a brief appearance on the bench for France in the World Cup third‑place play‑off, a 6‑4 loss to England, underscoring his growing reputation on the international stage.
Primarily a right‑winger, he is also comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or a left‑footed inside forward, giving a manager a variety of tactical options. During the 2023‑24 Ligue 1 campaign, Akliouche featured in 31 matches, finding the net six times and providing an equal number of assists. His statistical profile was impressive: he ranked among the league's top ball carriers and was one of the most prolific creators of chances. Moreover, his aggressive pressing and high turnover rate made him an ideal fit for the high‑intensity style favoured by Liverpool's new head coach, Andoni Iraola.
Iraola has repeatedly stressed the need to replace the creative output lost with Mohamed Salah's departure at the end of last season. In a pre‑season press conference ahead of a friendly against Sunderland in the United States, the manager said, "We definitely need to sign a winger," highlighting the urgency of bolstering the right flank.
While Liverpool have already secured the £34.5 million signing of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, the club still feels the squad requires additional depth on the wings. Akliouche's versatility could see him deployed on the right side of a front three, complementing Florian Wirtz, who is expected to build on his debut season at Anfield. His ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot would add a different dimension to Liverpool's attack, offering a fresh outlet for quick transitions and high‑pressing play. The Frenchman's proven record of creating opportunities and winning the ball high up the pitch aligns well with Iraola's philosophy of relentless pressing and quick ball recovery.
The interest in Akliouche also reflects Liverpool's broader transfer strategy. Earlier reports linked the club with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, but Leipzig reportedly set a price tag of around £112 million, a figure far beyond Liverpool's current budget, even though the Reds indicated willingness to meet a £86 million offer. Consequently, the focus has shifted to more attainable targets such as Akliouche, whose valuation sits comfortably within the club's financial parameters.
Beyond the numbers, Akliouche brings a certain pedigree that could help Liverpool navigate the challenges of replacing Salah. He has already experienced the spotlight of major tournaments and is accustomed to scrutiny from top European clubs. This experience, combined with his technical skill set, suggests he could adapt quickly to the Premier League's pace and physicality.
Iraola, who is still in the early stages of shaping his squad, emphasized that the transfer market remains fluid. "It is difficult to put a precise number on how many players we need when the market is open," he said.
"You have to stay open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious areas where we need reinforcements – a winger, for example – but we also have to analyse what the market offers, the cost, and how the players fit with those we already have." In summary, Liverpool's preliminary approach to Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche signals a clear intent to address the void left by Salah with a player who blends creativity, work‑rate, and versatility. While negotiations are still in their infancy and Monaco have yet to respond definitively, the move illustrates the club's proactive stance under Iraola as they aim to rebuild a competitive side capable of challenging on multiple fronts. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Reds can secure the Frenchman's signature and how he will fit into the evolving tactical blueprint at Anfield.