Liverpool Targets Monaco Star Maghnes Akliouche

How Long Is Akliouche in Monaco?

Akliouche has played with Monaco since his youth career, joining the club in 2017. He progressed to the Monaco B team in 2020, and made his debt for the main team in October 2021. With nearly 10 years at the club, he is settled, but there have been indications that the 24-year-old may wish to move on to further his career.

Monaco finished 7th last season, qualifying for the Europa Conference League. This is a comedown from last season, where Monaco competed in the Champions League and Akliouche provided a goal and three assists for his side. Having had a taste of Champions League football, it wouldn’t be surprising if the young attacking midfielder is interested in a move to somewhere that could provide him with the same stage.

Why could he be the right fit for the Reds?

Akliouche plays in an attacking midfield role with the ability to double as a right winger, which is the position Salah occupied at Liverpool. While he doesn’t have Salah’s established record as a prolific goalscorer, he is undoubtedly an important part of Monaco’s build-up play, scoring 6 goals and getting the same number of assists in 21 Ligue 1 appearances.

Liverpool sorely need a new right winger, and so it’s likely that Akliouche would play there if he moved. Whether he would accept that compared to a more central role as an attacking midfielder remains to be seen, as Liverpool’s forward midfield is already quite strong - if Florian Wirtz finds his form, he’ll be a contender for that position, with Dominik Szoboszlai also proving a fan favourite and competent attacking midfielder.

Akliouche could flourish on the right wing, but will have to adapt to Iraola’s style - the Liverpool manager likes his wingers to stay wide. Víctor Muñoz looks set to take up Liverpool’s left wing, and the club is reportedly still in the market for both positions, but Akliouche could be a great option if they can’t sign Yan Diomande, who reportedly has his sights set on PSG.

Which clubs bid for Akliouche?

Paris Saint-Germain could be Liverpool’s nemesis in their hunt to strengthen their midfield this season. With RB Leipzig’s Diomande already agitating for a move to the Parc des Princes, PSG are rumoured to also be interested in signing Akliouche. Staying in France would undoubtedly be easier for Akliouche than moving to Merseyside from a lifestyle point of view, and the lure of the European Champions is strong. However, would he fit there if Diomande also moves?

Monaco are seeking around €70 million for Akliouche as they aim to cover a deficit of €150 million. This is a spare change for PSG, and Liverpool would certainly be able to pay the price - it may come down to whether PSG decide to make him a top target.

Conclusion

Liverpool need to move quickly, or risk a transfer window where their top targets slip away one by one. Akliouche is a promising talent in a position they need - will they make the move?