Monaco must sell this winter before strengthening under Sébastien Pocognoli | OneFootball

Monaco are set for a winter of sales before signings, according to L'Équipe.

Despite banking more than €100m last summer, funds are tight, so January looks opportunistic. To act, they are likely to sell first, with Maghnes Akliouche, 23 and contracted to 2028, their main asset after staying put.

Manchester City continue to monitor the five-cap France international. With six months until the World Cup, a jump to a European heavyweight looks risky, and Monaco may hesitate to lose him mid-season.

George Ilenikhena, signed for €18m in 2024, could also bring cash. Since Pocognoli arrived, he has no Champions League minutes and only one Ligue 1 start, with the coach using one centre-forward and preferring Folarin Balogun and Mika Biereth. Germany, perhaps Frankfurt, is a possibility.

Lucas Michal, 20, could seek minutes elsewhere, as could Paris Brunner. Aladji Bamba, 19 and tied to 2030, has featured more in the Youth League than with the seniors, so an exit appears plausible.

With Lamine Camara at the Africa Cup of Nations and Paul Pogba limited, an experienced midfielder is being considered. For now, Mamadou Coulibaly and versatile full-back Jordan Teze support captain Denis Zakaria.

A right-sided centre-back is a priority, hinting at a possible return to a back three after it was ditched amid poor results and injuries to Eric Dier and Christian Mawissa. An attacker is in play, with signing Stanis Idumbo still to convince, while Mathys Detourbet, 18 and under contract at Troyes to 2028, is one for next summer.

Source: L'Équipe