Liverpool Interested In French Starlet Midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Midfield Revolution: Akliouche Interest Signals Ambition, But Patience Required

Midfield Reinforcements Under the Spotlight

Liverpool are preparing for what promises to be one of their most transformative summer windows in recent memory. With Arne Slot now at the helm following Jurgen Klopp’s emotional departure, the club are looking to strengthen all three lines of the pitch – defence, midfield, and attack – in preparation for a fresh era.

Having already secured the services of Dutch full-back Jeremie Frimpong – who has completed the first stage of his medical – Liverpool are moving swiftly. Talks with Milos Kerkez are ongoing, while interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and German prodigy Florian Wirtz underline the breadth of ambition. But it is the club’s quiet move for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche that is beginning to catch attention, as reported by French outlet L’Équipe.

French Flair on Liverpool’s Radar

At 23, Akliouche has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s brightest midfielders. A standout performer for AS Monaco, his tally of seven goals and 12 assists across 43 appearances this season is testament to his growing maturity and creative consistency.

“Manchester City had initiated talks, but appears to be moving on other avenues. Liverpool also initiated initial contact before asking for patience. Currently, only Nottingham Forest has shown a willingness to make concrete progress, while Tottenham have only just entered into discussions,” L’Équipe revealed.

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That revelation puts Liverpool in an interesting position – one foot in the door but not yet committed. The player is valued at €60m by Monaco, while PSG, the most serious contenders so far, are reportedly offering just €50m. That impasse could open the door for the Reds.

“So far, no club has made an official offer to AS Monaco for Akliouche,” L’Équipe stated, reflecting a market where clubs are hesitant to rush before Euro 2024 assessments.

Scouting Smart: Player Profile and Path

Akliouche’s profile fits the kind of technical, tactically intelligent player Liverpool are known to admire. Operating as a creative midfielder, he blends sharp vision with ball progression and has a knack for finding space in tight areas.

His rise has not gone unnoticed. Monaco’s sporting director, Thiago Scuro, recently advised caution, but acknowledged the likelihood of a move.

“Whether he stays or goes, both are good options for him,” Scuro said. “Few clubs can afford a player of his calibre. He needs to be smart in his choice. If he leaves, it must be for a club that suits him, with a playing style that fits, a place where he feels confident to become an international – he deserves it.”

There is an understanding that the player himself would be open to PSG, should a deal be agreed. “And whilst the player can see himself playing at the Parc des Princes, the deal is currently at a standstill,” said L’Équipe.

Strategic Patience or Missed Opportunity?

Liverpool’s tentative approach suggests either that Akliouche is one of several midfield targets or that the club are calculating the market ahead of an official offer. While the focus has so far been on other positions, his name repeatedly emerging in scouting conversations implies there’s more interest than meets the eye.

Should PSG fail to meet Monaco’s demands, and should other suitors hesitate, Liverpool could step in with a precise, well-structured bid – exactly the kind of strategic opportunism that has defined their transfer policy in recent years.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s a quiet excitement bubbling around Akliouche – and rightly so. As Liverpool gear up for a defining window under Arne Slot, this is the kind of move that would signal a serious shift towards technical, attack-minded midfielders. His ability to unlock defences and link play would bring something fresh to a side that sometimes struggled for midfield creativity last season.

Yes, the €60m fee might raise eyebrows, especially with targets like Wirtz also on the radar. But Akliouche offers value in versatility and age profile. The Reds may not have made a formal move yet, but when they’ve taken their time in the past, it’s usually paid off.

Fans should be excited. This isn’t just another speculative link – this is a top young European talent being monitored by the elite. If Liverpool do go for him, it could be a statement of intent from Slot’s Liverpool – a squad being reshaped with vision, not panic.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Maghnes Akliouche Performance Data and Stats

Attack-Minded Metrics Shine Bright

Maghnes Akliouche’s performance data, courtesy of FBref via FBCharts, provides a compelling statistical picture of a player increasingly linked with Europe’s top clubs. Compared with other attacking midfielders and wingers across the past 365 days, Akliouche excels in creative output. His percentile ranks for assists (87), expected assisted goals (xAG – 79), and combined xG and xAG (78) demonstrate that he is not only orchestrating opportunities but also contributing meaningfully in build-up play.

His non-penalty expected goals (npxG – 66) suggest he frequently gets into valuable attacking positions, although the conversion into non-penalty goals (25) reveals a slight underperformance that could be sharpened with finishing refinement.

Possession Metrics Show Influence

Akliouche’s numbers indicate he is a progressive, possession-positive midfielder. High percentile rankings in progressive passes (89), progressive carries (77), and successful take-ons (64) paint the portrait of a player comfortable moving his team up the pitch. His involvement in build-up play is further underlined by strong metrics for passes attempted (73) and progressive passes received (79), hinting at a player regularly at the heart of Monaco’s attacking transitions.

His pass completion (78) and touches (79) also reflect a confidence on the ball that supports a high-tempo possession style – something that would suit a team like Liverpool under Arne Slot.

Defensive Workload Raises Questions

Defensively, Akliouche’s stats are less impressive. While he ranks highly for tackles and interceptions (89), other metrics such as aerial duels won (7), clearances (32), and blocks (39) indicate that he’s not a primary contributor in deeper defensive phases. This suggests that he thrives best in advanced areas where pressing from the front is more relevant than retreating into a low block.

In summary, Maghnes Akliouche’s stats support the notion of a high-ceiling creative talent whose strengths lie in forward-thinking football.