Liverpool and Man Utd transfer target says his ‘next step’ is to leave club after World Cup
A player wanted by both Liverpool and Manchester United has just shared that he’s ready to take the “next step” and leave his current club after the World Cup.
Manchester United have been very active this summer as they get ready to return to Champions League football next season. They’ve already agreed to sign Brazil midfielder Ederson and are reportedly talking to Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.
Liverpool have been quieter so far, focusing mainly on their coaching situation. After parting ways with Arne Slot earlier this month, they recently announced Andoni Iraola as their new manager. Now that Iraola is in charge, Liverpool can turn their attention to signing new players this summer.
One player they’re interested in is Monaco’s attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, one of France’s top young talents. The 24-year-old, who can play both in the center and on the wings, scored nine goals and made nine assists for Monaco this season. His good form earned him a spot in France’s 26-man World Cup squad.
Unfortunately, Monaco didn’t qualify for the Champions League, finishing seventh in Ligue 1, so they’ll be playing in the Conference League next season. This result might cost their manager, former West Brom defender Sebastien Pocognoli, his job. Atletico Madrid legend Filipe Luis is set to take over, though Monaco will have to pay fines every time he manages a game since he doesn’t yet have the required UEFA Pro Licence.
One of Filipe Luis’ first jobs will be sorting out Akliouche’s future. The midfielder gave a hint about this in a recent interview with Nice-Matin, where he was asked if he plans to leave Monaco after the World Cup. He said, “Yes, but right now I’m very focused on the World Cup. I know things can change, even during the tournament, but my main focus is on the national team. I don’t want to be disrespectful to my club by talking about transfers now. There are other things to focus on.”
Akliouche probably won’t be a starter for France at the World Cup, with stars like Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele ahead of him, but he could get chances later on. He says it’s already a great honor just to be part of the team and to make his family proud by playing in such a big competition.
He added, “Everyone expects a lot from our team. To do well, we have to stay humble but also aim to go as far as possible. Our team has many top players from top clubs.”