Scouts from Liverpool were witness to a special performance from Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche at the weekend he’s — now being seriously considered to replace Mo Salah.
After another underwhelming performance, calls for Salah to be dropped have been echoing around Anfield once again.
The Egyptian looks past his best, and the efforts of the recruitment staff will have to be directed toward filling the void he leaves behind — whether that’s this summer or next.
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Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool FC looks on after the match with Galatasaray
Credit: Burak Basturk/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images
That’s why Akliouche has emerged as a transfer target, though Liverpool will need to beat a number of Premier League rivals to his signature.
Liverpool join Man United and Spurs in pursuing Maghnes Akliouche
Akliouche is an exciting attacking prospect, already dismantling top sides like PSG. He got a goal and an assist during Monaco’s 3-1 win over the reigning European champions last weekend.
A natural right-winger, the Frenchman can also play in the 10 or at striker, making him an appealing target for managers looking for tactical flexibility.
A report from TEAMtalk outlines Liverpool’s interest in going after the Monaco star, who has already played 130 games for the Ligue 1 outfit.
Maghnes Akliouche marking Nuno Mendes during PSG vs Monaco
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
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They claim Liverpool and Man United have joined ‘a growing list of admirers’ interested in signing Akliouche, with Spurs and Newcastle in the mix for the last 12 months at least.
Our scouts were very impressed with his display against PSG, which has brought the 24-year-old ‘firmly into consideration’.
Maghnes Akliouche wouldn’t be able to replace Salah’s output
As exciting a talent as this player clearly is, he hasn’t shown anything to suggest he can match the production of one of Liverpool’s all-time greats.
Truly, there might be three or four players in the sport who can.
Discuss: Diomande has already proven he’s the BEST replacement for Mo Salah!
Diomande, Doue, Williams and Barcola have been named as potential options…
Yan Diomande gestures to teammates during RB Leipzig's Bundesliga match with VfL Wolfsburg at the Red Bull Arena. Bradley Barcola looks down during PSG's FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid in New Jersey. Nico Williams pictured in action for Athletic Bilbao in their Europa League semi-final clash versus Manchester United. Desire Doue during Paris Saint-Germain v Lille OSC - Ligue 1 McDonald's.
Credit: Boris Streubel/Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/David Ramos/Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Akliouche is improving, matching last season’s goal tally of five already. He’s only going to get better, but is still a ways off being an elite wide forward.
He’s a player Liverpool should go after, but not as a direct replacement for Salah. This would need to be bonus business to add depth to the attack.
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