Liverpool €50m Mohamed Salah replacement says ‘yes’ to summer move

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Liverpool-linked Maghnes Akliouche has revealed he is ready to leave AS Monaco after the World Cup.

The 24-year-old has developed a reputation as one of Ligue 1’s best wingers since emerging through Monaco’s youth system, registering score 23 goals and 28 assists in the last five seasons.

And Akliouche has since been linked with a summer switch to Liverpool as they look to source a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who brought down the curtain on his legendary Anfield career last season.

STATS

Maghnes Akliouche

F, M (R)

Monaco

Maghnes Akliouche

F, M (R)

Monaco

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 43

  Games

• 7

  Goals

• 10

  Assists

View all stats

French publication L’Equipe understands the Reds are currently running the rule over Akliouche, who is primarily a right winger but can also operate as an attacking midfielder, with Monaco reportedly valuing him at €50million (£43m).

However, the same outlet also claims Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Akliouche this summer, with manager Luis Enrique having stressed the need to refresh his squad after the Champions League final.

As speculation continues to swirl regarding Akliouche’s future, the forward has now confirmed he is open to leaving Monaco, but only after his World Cup obligations with France are over.

Akliouche has been included in Les Bleus’ 26-man squad for the World Cup as Didier Deschamps’ side look to clinch FIFA’s flagship tournament for a third time, having won in 1998 on home soil and at Russia 2018. They were also beaten finalists at Qatar 2022.

In an interview with French publication Nice-Matin, Akliouche said: “Will the next step be a transfer this summer? Yes, but frankly, I'm really focused on this World Cup.

“I know anything can happen, even during the competition. It's a great opportunity for exposure, but I'm staying focused on the national team's objectives.

“I don't want to disrespect my club by talking about the transfer window now either. There are other things to deal with.”

Monaco still searching for new manager after Liverpool appoint Iraola

Monaco’s bargaining position for Akliouche has been weakened after they limped into seventh place - and subsequent qualification for next season’s UEFA Conference League - in 2025-26.

The principality side then dismissed manager Sebastien Pocognoli at the end of last season, with the club yet to officially appoint a replacement despite reports linking Filipe Luis with the vacant post.

Meanwhile Liverpool are looking to back new manager Andoni Iraola in the transfer market, with the Spaniard having replaced Arne Slot on a two-year contract at the start of the month.

Iraola has established himself as one of the best young managers in Europe after guiding Bournemouth to sixth place and qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League in 2025-26.

The Athletic understands Liverpool have made Yan Diomande their primary target to replace Salah, with the 19-year-old having scored 12 goals and recorded eight assists in an impressive debut season with Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig last season.

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