Liverpool Strongly Pursuing £59m Star With “Left Foot Made of Gold”, He’d Be Salah 2.0
If Richard Hughes is not cautious, he could dampen any excitement among Liverpool supporters for the summer transfer window before it even kicks off.
This is largely because FSG are working tirelessly to finalise three major signings before the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. In fairness, it is hardly the worst issue fans could face.
Liverpool are solidifying their defensive flanks for the future, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong having completed his medical and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez now the focus of progressing talks between Bournemouth and Liverpool’s leadership.
However, it is the forwards that fans crave the most. Attackers are the ones who spark excitement and dominate headlines. The transfer rumour mill is in full swing, and Liverpool are being linked with several intriguing names.
With a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz close to completion, Liverpool appear set to conclude the majority of their key transfer business well before the summer window fully opens.
That said, many point to the need for a new striker as the most pressing issue. Solving this problem may require the departure of either Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez. Nunez, in particular, has attracted interest from Saudi clubs and from Spain.
Liverpool have been patient in the transfer market, only adding Federico Chiesa to the squad since Jurgen Klopp finalised his midfield overhaul with the signing of Ryan Gravenberch in August 2023. A £29m deal for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was agreed last summer, but he stayed at Valencia this season.
Now, though, it is time for action. Luis Diaz continues to be linked with Barcelona, and this has reignited speculation over a potential move for Anthony Gordon, according to Football Insider.
However, Newcastle United value Gordon at £100m, and with Wirtz’s expected arrival, pursuing Gordon may not make much sense.
Even so, Chiesa has struggled to secure regular minutes since joining, and Mohamed Salah is not getting any younger. Bringing in fresh cover for the right flank might not be a bad idea.
Liverpool Join Race for New Forward
As reported by CaughtOffside, Liverpool are regarded as one of the leading contenders for Maghnes Akliouche this summer. The French winger has been informed that he may leave Monaco if their €70m (£59m) asking price is met.
Several English clubs are monitoring Akliouche’s situation, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. However, Liverpool are said to be demonstrating the most significant interest.
No discussions have yet taken place with any potential suitor, so it could come down to who manages to initiate talks with Monaco and the player’s representatives first.
What Maghnes Akliouche Would Offer Liverpool
A creative talent, the 23-year-old Akliouche has steadily risen through the ranks since emerging from Monaco’s youth system, establishing himself as a key figure in the first team.
| Maghnes Akliouche – Monaco Stats by Season (all comps) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Apps (starts) | Goals | Assists |
| 24/25 | 43 (38) | 7 | 12 |
| 23/24 | 31 (19) | 8 | 4 |
| 22/23 | 13 (6) | 1 | 0 |
| 21/22 | 9 (1) | 0 | 1 |
| Stats Source: Transfermarkt | |||
He would face competition from Mohamed Salah for a place in Liverpool’s starting XI if he were to join the club, but for a rising star in just his second season as a first-team regular, this challenge could prove valuable in shaping his career.
By learning from the Egyptian King himself, Akliouche has the potential to develop into one of the most dangerous wingers in football. Analyst Ben Mattinson has already praised him for his “ridiculous” ability.
The data supports this view. According to FBref, Akliouche ranks in the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues this season for assists, the top 11% for progressive passes, and the top 12% for tackles plus interceptions per 90 minutes.
Sofascore’s statistics from the 2024/25 Ligue 1 campaign highlight Akliouche’s creative flair further, with the 23-year-old creating 15 big chances in 27 appearances, averaging 1.6 dribbles and 4.5 successful duels per match.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig has also praised the “magician” for his “left foot made of gold”, which he uses to devastating effect when finding space in and around the box.
Does this sound familiar? Salah’s own magic with the ball suggests he too could be labelled a ‘magician’, while his left foot has long been one of the most lethal tools in football.
Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma for £34m in 2017, was 25 at the time and looking for a second shot at Premier League football after an underwhelming spell at Chelsea.
Since then, Salah has amassed 401 appearances, 245 goals, 113 assists, and countless individual and team honours. His incredible career has made Liverpool an attractive destination for talents like Akliouche, particularly as the Frenchman is reportedly open to a move to England.
Salah’s journey is far from over, but we are nearing the later stages of this Premier League legend’s time at the top. It would make sense for Liverpool to prepare wisely by signing a player like Akliouche, who, like Salah once was, is a rising talent ready for the next step.
Salah, one of the most prolific forwards the Premier League has ever seen, will be a tough act to follow. However, bringing in a hungry young player like Akliouche could help Arne Slot keep Liverpool competitive on multiple fronts next season, particularly with Salah set to miss part of the winter due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
All things considered, it seems likely that Akliouche would relish the opportunity to move to Merseyside and learn from the veteran forward. Coming from a competitive European side, showcasing his skills, and then honing his craft at Anfield could be just the path that takes him to the very top of the game.
In other news, Liverpool Willing to Bid £68m for “One of the Best STs Out There”, He’s a Jota Upgrade
