Fabrizio Romano pours cold water on Liverpool move for French forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfer News: Maghnes Akliouche Looks PSG-Bound Despite Reds’ Interest

Liverpool have made contact, Paris Saint-Germain have made progress, and Maghnes Akliouche appears to know which direction he prefers. That is the state of play.

According to Fabrizio Romano on X, the Monaco winger is currently far closer to PSG than to Anfield, even after reports of an initial Liverpool approach. In transfer terms, that matters. An enquiry is easy. Advancing a deal is harder. Convincing the player is harder still.

The key detail here is not that Liverpool asked a question. Clubs ask questions all the time. The key detail is that PSG have already pushed further, and the player is understood to be leaning their way. When one club has the contract framework in place and the player’s preference on its side, everyone else is playing catch-up.

PSG Lead Akliouche Race

Romano’s update was direct and left little room for ambiguity. He said: “Many rumours and reports today about Liverpool and Akliouche, but my information is that Maghnes Akliouche will be, barring any surprises, a Paris Saint-Germain player.

“At the moment, there is still no full agreement between the two clubs. Apart from some calls from Premier League clubs, the player Akliouche is still giving priority to Paris Saint-Germain.

“He has an agreement on the contract with PSG. He’s very tempted by the possibility of joining the Paris Saint-Germain project as a French player during the World Cup, surrounded by many Paris Saint-Germain players.

“He was already discussing where he’s going to play, what kind of connection there will be, so my feeling is really strong about Paris Saint-Germain [and] Maghnes Akliouche. Then, if some English clubs come and join the race, I will let you know.”

That is not a minor hint. It is a clear indication that PSG are ahead and that Akliouche sees Paris as the likeliest next step. Liverpool may admire him, but admiration does not close deals.

Monaco Price Could Shape Liverpool Chances

The one variable worth watching is Monaco’s valuation. PSG have reportedly had multiple offers knocked back, with one said to be around £34m. Other reports have placed Monaco’s asking price closer to €60m-€70m, which converts to roughly £51.3m-£59.8m. That gap is significant.

If PSG continue to hesitate, Liverpool could still have an opening. That is the practical reality. Transfer races are rarely decided by interest alone. They are decided by timing, cash, player preference and whether the selling club feels properly compensated. Right now, Liverpool appear short on at least two of those four elements.

Why Akliouche Appeals To Liverpool

There is an obvious football logic to Liverpool’s interest. Akliouche is a natural right-sided attacker, technically clean, tactically sharp and young enough to develop further. He would also fit the broader profile of a squad that needs fresh attacking options and greater flexibility in the final third.

Under Andoni Iraola, Liverpool are likely to prioritise intensity, directness and players who can handle one v one situations at speed. Akliouche ticks some of those boxes. He would not arrive with the same established status as a marquee signing, but that can cut both ways. There is room to grow, and there may still be value if Monaco’s demands soften.

Compared to some bigger-name alternatives, he also represents a more manageable financial gamble. That matters in a market where every wide forward with upside suddenly carries a premium fee.

Our View

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this feels like one to keep an eye on, but not one to get emotionally invested in just yet. The club making an approach is fine. Sensible, even. It shows Liverpool are scanning the market properly and not waiting until a deal is impossible before moving.

At the same time, if Akliouche wants PSG, then fair enough. Liverpool should not be wasting weeks trying to drag a player somewhere his heart is not fully set on. Modern recruitment has to be ruthless. If the player is sold on Paris, move on and get the next target lined up.

That said, there is still a scenario where this swings back. Monaco clearly want proper money, PSG have not finished the job, and Liverpool are one of the few clubs who can act decisively if they really like the player. That is why this is not dead, only difficult.

The bigger point is that Liverpool need attacking depth and future-proofing out wide. Whether that is Akliouche or someone else, the requirement remains. So supporters probably should not obsess over the name as much as the role. If the recruitment team believe he fits Iraola’s football, great. If not, there will be alternatives. Calm heads are needed in July, because the loudest rumours are rarely the whole story.

Source: Fabrizio Romano on X