Maghnes Akliouche has emerged as a potential target for Liverpool as they look to strengthen out wide – and the Monaco winger could be available for a bargain.
Liverpool are expected to sign at least two forwards this summer, with the priority of adding pace as they look to replace Mo Salah and, belatedly, Luis Diaz.
RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure have all been named as targets.
L’Equipe now report Monaco playmaker Akliouche as another candidate, with Liverpool credited with an interest in the 24-year-old France international.
He is “almost certain” to leave Monaco this summer and PSG are named as suitors, while he turned down a “persistent approach” from Tottenham a year ago.
Who is Maghnes Akliouche? Profile, style of play & price tag
Player Profile: Maghnes Akliouche
Full Name: Maghnes AklioucheAge: 24 (February 25, 2002)Height: 5’9″ (175cm)Birthplace: Tremblay, France
Club: AS MonacoPosition: Winger (R)Foot: LeftMarket Value: £43m (€50m)
But despite overtures from Paris, Liverpool are described as “more interested” and a €50 million (£43.3m) price tag “wouldn’t be a deterrent.”
Akliouche only turned 24 in February and has already played 137 times for Monaco, including 20 appearances in the Champions League, with his output drastically improving in the last two seasons.
Since the start of 2024/25, he has scored 14 goals and laid on 23 assists in 84 games – based on his 6,569 minutes played in that time, he averages a goal involvement every other game.
He is seen as a creator from the right flank, with only one winger (Lyon’s Afonso Moreira, with seven) assisting more goals than Akliouche (six) in Ligue 1 this season.
Akliouche is fifth among wingers in terms of chances created (42) and eighth for big chances created (eight), while he is also third for recoveries (5.4 per 90) and possession won in the final third (1.1 per 90).
There is a sense that Liverpool’s new generation of wingers will need to provide more for their strikers rather than serve as the main source of goals.
That could make Akliouche an ideal fit, as even though he is still comfortable in front of goal, his creativity and sharp one-touch play could provide a new element on the right.
Which wingers are Liverpool likely to sign?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, March 11, 2025: Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, PSG won 4-1 on penalties. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
If Liverpool’s interest is genuine, the likelihood is that he is one of a number of wingers being considered at this stage, with Champions League football still needing to be secured before any transfers can be finalised.
Talks will be ongoing with representatives, including those of Diomande, Barcola and Toure, to establish each player’s availability and, crucially, their demands.
But if the sights are set on Akliouche, a deal worth around £43 million could resemble a bargain more befitting of the club’s successful recruitment model of years gone by.