Liverpool Want 'Insane' Wirtz Alternative With 'Left Foot Made of Gold'

Liverpool are reportedly showing concrete interest in AS Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche, who has earned a rave review from Premier League icon Thierry Henry.

Akliouche is one of French football's most celebrated attacking talents and enjoyed a stellar season at Stade Louis II. After representing France at last summer's Olympic Games, the 23-year-old put up impressive numbers in Ligue 1.

The 12-cap France U21 international's stock has rapidly grown, and he's now on the shortlist of several of Europe's big guns, including the Reds. Arne Slot is set for a big summer with his attack likely to be bolstered as he seeks to enter the 2025-26 campaign in a strong position to defend the Premier League.

The French attacking ace could cost £50m

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French outlet L'Equipe reports that Liverpool have "made contact" regarding a move for Akliouche, although they have "called for patience". This could be because they are focused on other targets for the time being, such as Florian Wirtz, whose parents they have met and are prepared to spend "a significant fee" on, per Fabrizio Romano.

Akliouche has been used on Monaco's right wing this season, suggesting he's viewed as Salah's long-term replacement. He initially started his career in attacking midfield and even as a striker, but he's flourished out wide this campaign.

Arsenal legend Henry used him in the midfield area during the Olympics while in charge of the France national team. He waxed lyrical about his playing traits, saying (via Calciomercato):

"What impresses me most about him is the way he presses and the persistence with which he searches for the ball. He has a great desire to do and is always very active on the pitch. It is useless to talk about his qualities with the ball at his feet, which are evident. He has the rare intelligence to understand exactly what is happening, both when he has the ball and when he doesn't."

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Maghnes Akliouche scored one goal and made six appearances in Thierry Henry's France Olympic Team.

Monaco's asking price is set at £50m, proving an issue for Paris Saint-Germain, who are also keen. The Reds don't have to deal with "long-term" admirers Manchester City as they have switched their focus elsewhere, but Nottingham Forest are showing intent to get a deal done while Tottenham Hotspur are also in the mix.

Maghnes Akliouche in Ligue 1 (2024-25) Appearances: 32 Goals: 5 Assists: 10 Big chances created: 15 Key passes: 1.6 Successful dribbles: 1.6 (50%)

Akliouche, whose left foot has been described as "made of gold," has three years left on his contract. The Ligue 1 club's CEO, Thiago Scuro, has said that they have "big expectations" and that "there are very few clubs" that "can sign a player like him." An "insane" talent who came through Monaco's youth academy before breaking into the senior team aged 19.

All stats courtesy of SofaScore - correct as of 22.05.2025.

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