Former Liverpool star Takumi Minamino has already offered a glimpse into what the club might expect from Maghnes Akliouche. The duo have been teammates at Monaco since 2022.
The Liverpool ECHO reported that the Reds made an initial approach for Akliouche as the club continue to hunt for wingers this summer. Liverpool contacted Monaco earlier in the transfer window to gauge Akliouche's availability, with wide options becoming a focus following Mohamed Salah's farewell.
The 24-year-old netted seven goals and laid on 11 assists for the Ligue 1 outfit last season. The forward has reportedly been the subject of three rejected bids from Paris Saint-Germain.
Minamino's Praise for Akliouche
Whether the France international will sign for Liverpool and link up with summer recruit Victor Munoz in refreshing the club's attacking width remains uncertain. However, former Liverpool player Minamino has previously lauded Akliouche's character and his ability with the ball.
"When I arrived at the club, I noticed him straight away, he was the best young player in the team," Minamino told Monaco's club website in December 2024. "He has huge potential and he showed it last year against several teams.
"He is always humble, he is a good player but also a good person above all. I am sure he will have a good future so I am happy to be able to play with him."
Minamino was often a backup option throughout his Liverpool career, but played alongside several prolific forwards during his time at the club. Shortly after Minamino completed his move to Monaco in 2022, Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to what the Japan international, who made 55 Liverpool appearances and claimed the 2020 Premier League title, had contributed to the side.
"We miss him honestly. He is a fantastic player and he was a fantastic part of our squad," Klopp said. "We should not forget, as an offensive player coming to Liverpool in a time when the settled front three were Mane, Firmino, Salah; the new signing was Diogo Jota -- it's not like you have to be a bad player to not be in the first lineup.
"No, you have to be a world-class player to be around [the starting XI] and to be the next coming on, so Taki [Minamino] did that incredibly well for us."
Iraola's Need for Wingers
New boss Andoni Iraola will be eager to forge an equally devastating attack during his tenure as Liverpool manager. However, the Spanish coach has been candid about the need to bolster his wide options following the earlier acquisition of Munoz from Osasuna.
"No, I think it is difficult to say a number when the market is open," Iraola said. "You have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players.
"A winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have."
