Liverpool are reportedly considering the sale of winger Cody Gakpo this summer and are simultaneously pursuing Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche as a potential replacement, according to reports from L’Equipe. The club is aiming to reshape its attacking options following a disappointing season for the Dutchman and the anticipated departure of Mohamed Salah.
Gakpo, who arrived at Anfield with high expectations, has struggled to make a significant impact, failing to establish a consistent partnership with Milos Kerkez and, at times, keeping Rio Ngumoha out of the starting eleven. He currently earns £250,000 per week, and Liverpool are keen to remove his wages from the books, as per insider Graeme Bailey.
The Merseyside club have already secured a deal for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and are looking to add another winger. While PSG’s Bradley Barcola has been admired, Liverpool are now focusing on Akliouche, a 24-year-old left-footed player who primarily operates on the right wing. Akliouche has recorded seven goals and eleven assists across all competitions this season for Monaco and has earned seven senior caps for France.
L’Equipe reports that Liverpool are undeterred by Akliouche’s €50 million (£43 million) price tag. The player previously rejected a move to Tottenham, but is now ‘almost certain’ to leave Monaco this summer. Several other Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle and Spurs, are also monitoring Akliouche’s situation, according to TEAMtalk. The potential sale of Gakpo would likely facilitate a move for the Monaco winger, allowing Liverpool to reinvest the funds and reshape their forward line. This signifies a clear intention to overhaul the team’s attacking options ahead of the next campaign.
Securing Akliouche would provide Arne Slot, the incoming Liverpool manager, with another dynamic attacking option and further solidify the club’s commitment to rebuilding its squad.
