Strategic shift in Liverpool’s winger search
Liverpool have formally checked on the availability of Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, marking a tactical pivot as the club seeks a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. Manager Andoni Iraola, speaking ahead of the club’s pre-season tour in the USA, emphasized that securing a wide forward remains a primary objective for the current transfer window.
While the initial approach for the 24-year-old French international has been confirmed by Sky Sports News, sources close to the club, including reports from The Echo, indicate that this enquiry occurred earlier in the summer and has not yet escalated into a formal bid. The delay in progression stems from Liverpool’s complex list of targets and the high valuations placed on alternative options, such as RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, who is valued at approximately £112m.
The PSG factor and player preference
The pursuit of Akliouche is complicated by significant interest from Paris Saint-Germain. The Ligue 1 champions have reportedly submitted multiple offers, the most recent being in the region of £34m (€40m), all of which have been rejected by Monaco. Furthermore, reports from Fabrizio Romano suggest that Akliouche has already signaled a preference for a move to the Parc des Princes, potentially placing PSG in the driver’s seat.
For Liverpool, the situation serves as a balancing act. If PSG succeeds in signing Akliouche, market analysts suggest it could facilitate Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola. As PSG’s squad depth increases, the availability of minutes for players like Barcola may shrink, potentially forcing the French club to offload talent to accommodate new arrivals.
Tactical fit and the post-Salah era
Akliouche’s profile aligns with Iraola’s high-octane pressing philosophy. During the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season, the 24-year-old recorded six goals and six assists across 31 appearances. Beyond his raw output, his underlying metrics for ball-carrying and high-turnover creation make him an attractive option for a system that demands relentless pressure high up the pitch. However, replacing the statistical output of Mohamed Salah remains an immense challenge, and the club remains cautious about overpaying for potential rather than proven elite production.