Liverpool & Man Utd Battle for Monaco Winger Maghnes Akliouche | Transfer News
The race to sign Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche is heating up, with Liverpool joining Manchester United in pursuing the 22-year-old French international. Both Premier League clubs have dispatched officials to scout Akliouche, according to reports, as they assess potential attacking reinforcements for the summer transfer window.
The interest from Liverpool and Manchester United comes at a crucial juncture in the Premier League season. Michael Carrick’s Manchester United currently hold a narrow three-point lead over Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification, a competition both clubs are keen to feature in next season to bolster their transfer budgets. Liverpool, fresh off a defeat to Newcastle United – Carrick’s first loss since taking over as caretaker manager in January following the sacking of Ruben Amorim – will look to close the gap when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday. A favorable opportunity presents itself, with United and Aston Villa facing each other at Old Trafford on the same day.
Akliouche has emerged as a highly sought-after talent in Ligue 1, attracting attention from several Premier League clubs. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have been tracking the winger for over a year, but now face competition from the league’s traditional powerhouses. Liverpool’s interest is particularly intriguing, as they begin to consider long-term options to succeed Mohamed Salah, whose future at the club remains uncertain amid continued interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
The Frenchman’s recent performance against Paris Saint-Germain has further amplified his profile. Scouts from both Liverpool and Manchester United were present at the Parc des Princes on Friday to witness Akliouche’s impressive display, where he scored Monaco’s opening goal and assisted their third in a 3-1 victory. Described as a “box-office” player, Akliouche has six goals and seven assists in 34 appearances this season, showcasing his ability to both create and score.
Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements hasn’t been limited to Akliouche. The club has already been informed that several other targets – Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue – are currently unavailable, forcing them to broaden their search. RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande has emerged as a leading candidate, but Akliouche remains firmly on their radar as an alternative option.
The question of where Akliouche would be better suited – Liverpool or Manchester United – is a complex one. According to an analysis by ChatGPT, Liverpool’s tactical setup may be a more natural fit for the player’s strengths. “Maghnes Akliouche is a creative, left-footed right-winger who excels at dribbling, chance creation, and linking play in attacking areas,” the AI assessment stated. “Liverpool may suit him slightly better. Their system relies on fluid wide attackers who combine with midfield runners and a central striker, which fits Akliouche’s playmaking and passing strengths rather than pure goal-scoring. He could develop as a creative right-sided option and eventual successor to Mohamed Salah.”
The analysis continued, suggesting that Manchester United’s tactical instability and less structured attacking patterns could potentially hinder Akliouche’s development. While both clubs are clearly interested, Liverpool’s clearer attacking structure and history of developing wide forwards may provide them an edge in the pursuit of the Monaco winger.
The upcoming weeks will be critical as both Liverpool and Manchester United continue to evaluate Akliouche and other potential targets. With Champions League qualification on the line, the stakes are high for both clubs, and securing a key attacking addition could prove to be the difference between success and disappointment next season. The competition for Akliouche’s signature is likely to intensify as the summer transfer window approaches, promising a fascinating battle between two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Beyond Akliouche and Diomande, Liverpool are continuing to extensively scout alternative targets, demonstrating a proactive approach to strengthening their attacking options. The club’s recruitment team is clearly determined to find the right solution to ensure they remain competitive both domestically and in Europe. The situation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping their transfer strategy, and the pursuit of Akliouche represents a key part of their contingency planning.