Liverpool make initial approach for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche amid PSG interest

By George Aldridge — 22 July 2026 — 3 min read

Liverpool have initiated contact with Monaco regarding winger Maghnes Akliouche. This development comes as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has also shown significant interest in the France international, having had multiple offers rejected by Monaco.

The 24-year-old Akliouche has emerged as a target for Liverpool, who are exploring options to reinforce their attacking line-up. PSG’s most recent offer for the winger was reportedly in the region of £34m (€40m), but Monaco deemed it unacceptable.

Interest from European Giants

Akliouche is a primary target for PSG, who have made several attempts to secure his services, none of which have met Monaco’s valuation. The competition for the winger highlights his growing profile in European football.

Liverpool’s interest in Akliouche is understood to be an initial approach, with the club checking on his potential availability. This move suggests Liverpool are actively seeking to strengthen their squad, particularly in wide attacking positions.

The player was part of the France squad that faced England in the World Cup third-place play-off, where France experienced a 6-4 defeat. Akliouche was on the bench for that fixture.

Last season, Akliouche made 31 appearances in Ligue 1, contributing six goals and providing six assists. He is versatile, capable of playing on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder.

The 24-year-old’s performance metrics from last season indicate he was among the top ball carriers and chance creators in Ligue 1. His high turnover rate also suggests a playing style that could align with Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola‘s high-pressing tactics.

Iraola has openly stated the club’s need for new wingers following Mohamed Salah‘s departure at the end of last season. Liverpool have already secured the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m, but further reinforcements are being sought.

Managerial Intentions and Transfer Strategy

Speaking ahead of a pre-season friendly against Sunderland in the USA, Iraola emphasised the necessity of adding a winger to the squad. He noted that while a winger is a definite requirement, the club remains open to other opportunities to improve the team.

Iraola explained that assessing the market, costs, and the current squad’s players are all factors in their transfer decisions. He also mentioned that some positions have injured players, making the situation less than ideal and necessitating careful consideration of options.

Previously, Liverpool had shown interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. However, reports indicated that RB Leipzig would only consider selling the Ivory Coast international for an estimated £112m, with Liverpool reportedly willing to pay £86m. Diomande’s preferred destination was reportedly PSG, which led Liverpool to explore other targets, including Akliouche.

PSG’s interest in Akliouche is long-standing, and they have been in advanced talks earlier this month, with optimism surrounding a potential agreement for his services. This suggests a potential transfer battle between the two European clubs for the player.

Akliouche’s profile, despite his age, includes over 100 senior appearances for Monaco, with 139 total appearances, 23 goals, and 28 assists. He has also made 10 senior appearances for the France national team, scoring one goal.

The pursuit of Akliouche by both Liverpool and PSG highlights the competitive nature of the transfer market for highly-rated attacking talent. Liverpool’s new head coach Andoni Iraola has clearly outlined the need for further reinforcements in the squad.

The club’s transfer strategy is focused on addressing specific needs, particularly in wide attacking areas, following key departures and to enhance squad depth for the upcoming season. The market remains open, and Liverpool continues to evaluate various options to strengthen their team.

The Reds are also understood to have outlined PSG winger Bradley Barcola as another potential option to bolster their attacking department.

Source: skysports.com