In a dramatic escalation of the summer transfer saga, Liverpool have launched a bold raid on one of Manchester United’s key targets, turning the pursuit of Monaco’s rising star Maghnes Akliouche into a full-blown North West derby off the pitch.
The 22-year-old French attacker, who delivered a standout performance in Monaco’s 2-1 victory over Marseille on Sunday, found scouts from both Premier League giants in the stands — but it is Liverpool who have now aggressively accelerated their interest, effectively hijacking United’s plans for attacking reinforcements.
With Mohamed Salah’s expected departure looming large at Anfield, the Reds have been meticulously assessing wide forward options. Initial approaches for high-profile targets such as Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, as well as Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, were rebuffed, prompting Liverpool’s recruitment team to cast a wider net.
Akliouche has now surged to the forefront of their thinking. His versatility — equally effective as a right-winger or in attacking midfield — combined with his creativity, technical flair and impressive upward trajectory, make him a highly appealing alternative to more established names. This season, the dynamic 22-year-old has contributed seven goals and eight assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, delivering the kind of consistent output that screams “Premier League ready.”
United, meanwhile, had been quietly building their own interest in the Monaco talent as they look to reshape their forward line at Old Trafford. Akliouche is not the only overlapping target; both clubs are also monitoring Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande. However, Liverpool’s decisive step-up in scouting and due diligence signals a clear intent to steal a march on their historic rivals.
For Akliouche, the timing could not be more perfect. With just over two years left on his current contract, Monaco are preparing for significant summer interest and are braced for his likely departure from the Principality. The youngster, who has already earned seven caps for France, is determined to force his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans for the upcoming World Cup, providing extra motivation to shine in the final weeks of the season.
This is no ordinary transfer tussle. By moving swiftly on a player both clubs admire, Liverpool have sent an unmistakable message: they will not be outmanoeuvred in the race to refresh their attack. Snatching this 15 G/A French rocket would not only strengthen Arne Slot’s squad with a versatile, high-upside talent but also represent a symbolic victory over their fiercest rivals.
As the summer window approaches, Akliouche is rapidly emerging as one of the most intriguing and hotly contested prospects in European football. Manchester United now face a fight on two fronts — on the pitch and in the transfer market — while Liverpool have fired the first major shot in what promises to be a fascinating battle for one of France’s brightest young stars.
The declaration of war has been made. The question now is whether United will respond, or if Anfield’s ambush will leave Old Trafford empty-handed once again.