Maghnes Akliouche: Liverpool lead Tottenham in race to sign Mohamed Salah replacement
Maghnes Akliouche is at the centre of a race between Liverpool and Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 24-year-old is believed to be edging towards a move away from Monaco this summer, placing a number of Europe’s elite clubs on alert over his situation.
He will go away to the World Cup as part of Didier Deschamps’ France squad and could boost his profile in the USA, with Premier League rivals keeping a close eye.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool have a clear advantage over Spurs in the race for Akliouche.
Arne Slot’s side are searching for a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, and the Monaco forward has emerged as a target as Liverpool accelerate their transfer plans.
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Could Tottenham beat Liverpool to sign Maghnes Akliouche?
Football Insider revealed on 15 May that Tottenham are being kept informed on Akliouche’s situation in case he is allowed to leave Monaco this summer.
However, they may struggle to compete with rivals in their pursuit as they will be unable to offer him European football, let alone Champions League football.
Given the level of interest in his signature, Tottenham look increasingly likely to miss out, while Liverpool are well-placed to agree terms with the principality club.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Maghnes Akliouche is obviously a player who’s been on Tottenham’s radar for a long time.
“But it’ll be difficult for Spurs to land him in this summer window because they’re not going to be able to offer European football and especially Champions League football.
“I would imagine Akliouche is keen to play in the Champions League next season.
“Liverpool are in the mix now for Akliouche as well as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, so that would make things more difficult for Tottenham as well.
“Liverpool would be the favourites in that one if it came down to it because of what they will likely be able to offer the winger.
“There’s been interest from clubs in the Premier League for a while now. Monaco are well aware of the growing interest in him and probably would sell at the right price.”
Who else is on Liverpool’s list of Mohamed Salah replacements?
Akliouche has now emerged as a target for Liverpool, but has joined a long list of options under consideration as they acclerate plans to replace Salah.
The Egypt international has announced that he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season after a frustrating year in which he has regularly clashed with Slot.
As a result, the Reds are stepping up their plans, and Football Insider revealed last month that Yan Diomande is Liverpool’s number-one target to replace Salah.
The winger has impressed in his performances for RB Leipzig this season, and Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on his progress in the Bundesliga.
Despite interest from a number of other clubs both in the Premier League and across Europe, Slot’s side are hopeful of winning the race for his signature.