Liverpool make initial approach for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche
Liverpool have initiated contact with Monaco regarding winger Maghnes Akliouche. The 24-year-old France international is also a primary target for Paris Saint-Germain, who have had multiple offers for the player rejected by Monaco.
According to reports, PSG’s most recent offer for Akliouche was approximately £34m (€40m), but this was not deemed acceptable by Monaco. Liverpool’s interest comes as the club seeks to strengthen its wide attacking options.
Reinforcing the Wings
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s new head coach, has indicated the club’s need for additional wingers. Speaking ahead of a pre-season friendly, Iraola stated that signing a winger is a definite requirement, particularly following Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of last season.
The club has already completed the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m. However, Iraola emphasised the need to remain open to new options to improve the squad, acknowledging that some positions, such as winger, clearly require reinforcements.
Liverpool had previously shown interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. However, RB Leipzig reportedly valued the Ivory Coast international at an estimated £112m, with Liverpool indicating a willingness to pay £86m. Diomande is now reportedly favouring a move to PSG.
The pursuit of Akliouche highlights Liverpool’s ongoing efforts to secure a winger. Other options, such as Akliouche, are now being explored as the transfer market remains open.
Akliouche’s Profile and Competition
Akliouche, who can operate on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder, made 31 appearances in Ligue 1 last season. During these appearances, he scored six goals and provided six assists.
He was also part of the France squad that faced England in the World Cup third-place play-off, where he was on the bench during their 6-4 defeat. Akliouche has made 10 senior appearances for France, scoring one goal.
Despite his age, Akliouche has accumulated over 100 senior appearances for Monaco, featuring 139 times, scoring 23 goals, and contributing 28 assists. His profile is seen as aligning with Liverpool’s transfer strategy.
The competition for Akliouche’s signature is significant, with PSG having made several attempts to sign him. Reports earlier this month suggested that PSG were in advanced talks and were optimistic about reaching an agreement for his services.
Liverpool’s approach for Akliouche could lead to a transfer battle between the two European clubs. The Reds are also said to have considered Bradley Barcola as a potential option to reinforce their attacking department.
The club’s new head coach, Andoni Iraola, has been clear about the need for further signings, stating that the market’s dynamic nature means the club must always be open to new options to improve the squad.
The situation with injured players also contributes to the need for reinforcements, as Iraola noted that while the club trusts its current players, the situation is not ideal.
Monaco has consistently rebuffed offers for Akliouche, indicating their high valuation of the player. PSG’s latest rejected offer was in the region of £34m.
The transfer market remains active, and Liverpool continues to assess various options to strengthen their squad, particularly in wide attacking positions.
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Source: skysports.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
