How could Liverpool make a better signing than Akliouche

Liverpool have come out of the gutter and now look forward to the 2026/27 campaign with hope. Andoni Iraola promises to bring ‘rock and roll’ back to Anfield after a difficult year.

If he is to succeed, the Spaniard will need to welcome a few more young people through the gates. Liverpool struggled last season, and now it’s easier than ever, with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Iraima Konate all leaving on free transfers.

Liverpool’s defense still looks fragile, even after the pre-season arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, a £60m deal with Rennes that was agreed in January.

However, Salah leaves the biggest hole of all, with FSG chasing Maghnes Akliouche to replace the Egyptian legend.

Why Liverpool want to replace Akliouche with Salah

Akliouche would not arrive at Liverpool ahead of the new season with the ability to replace Salah’s goal-scoring right-back, but Iraola will be expecting £125m striker Alexander Isak to step up and return to world-class goal-scoring form.

Akliouche, 24, will however help rebuild Liverpool’s playmaking ability. A versatile player, the France international draws from a limitless source of creativity, most notably his passing and footwork when holding the ball up high.

However, he only scored six goals and provided six assists in Ligue 1 last term. There’s work to be done there, but it’s not his ability to bring the engagement of specific targets with real intensity.

Liverpool are behind Paris Saint-Germain in the race, but have started contact with Monaco this week as they look to complete a move. PSG have so far struggled to find success in negotiations with their French rivals.

On the right side he would be a brilliant player, but he wouldn’t solve all the Merseysider’s problems. As mentioned, Liverpool still need a defender or two.

Liverpool are talking about signing a better signing than Akliouche

Akliouche will be a strong signing, but Liverpool are also considered favorites in the race to sign PSG striker Bradley Barcola, and making this signing should come first in attack.

Looking at the other end of the pitch, Liverpool need a central midfielder, and according to Alex Crook of TalkSPORT, the Reds have held talks with the Ligue 1 champions over a possible move for Ilya Zabarnyi, amid claims he has been “offered” to Chelsea and the Anfield side.

Zabarnyi joined PSG from Bournemouth for £57m last summer, and while he started 26 times in Ligue 1 last year, the move didn’t go well, and he was often left out of the big event. Considering how strong he was for the Cherries last year, it’s understandable that he might be looking to move.

Akliouche is a talented playmaker, but whether he has what it takes to step into Salah’s long-held position on Liverpool’s right-back remains to be seen. Perhaps his unique approach to wingplay could help him settle in, but big boots nonetheless.

However, Zabarnyi would arrive at Liverpool having spent a valuable season with the best club in the world, and he would arrive at Liverpool with previous Premier League experience under Iraola.

Alongside Dean Huijsen, Zabarnyi was praised by former defender Joe Partington for “taking Bournemouth to a completely different level”, developing a keen understanding that could see him team up with Virgil van Dijk next year.

The Ukrainian international won 63% of his duels and often carried the ball forward, a game that continued with his passing but also his running, separating the lines of the opposition. He may be physically strong and tough, but Zabarnyi has a modernized skill set that could really suit Liverpool and Iraola – again.

Akliouche is an exciting talent, but he is the only one who might struggle to replace Salah. The judge is very much out, and will remain for some time, if he will sign.

However, Zabarnyi is expected to make waves from the get-go. He would be a great addition.