Paris Saint-Germain's transfer plans for another ambitious summer have become clearer after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the European champions have added Maghnes Akliouche to their shortlist for the winger position.
The interest is hardly surprising. PSG have assembled arguably the most exciting attack in world football under Luis Enrique, yet they continue searching for young players capable of elevating the squad even further. Akliouche fits that profile perfectly, combining elite technical ability, tactical intelligence, and immense room for development.
Akliouche's Rise From Monaco Academy Prospect to French International
Akliouche's journey has been one of steady progression rather than overnight stardom.
Born in Tremblay-en-France, the 24-year-old joined Monaco's academy in 2017 and gradually worked his way through the club's youth system. After making his senior debut in 2021, he established himself as one of Ligue 1's most creative attacking talents.
The Frenchman truly announced himself during the 2023-24 season, contributing goals and assists while displaying the technical quality that has become synonymous with Monaco's academy graduates. He further enhanced his reputation by starring for France's Olympic team during the 2024 Games and later earned his first senior international call-up.
Akliouche has also shown he can perform on Europe's biggest stage. He scored on his UEFA Champions League debut against Barcelona and has continued to produce impressive displays in domestic and continental competitions. His performances have inevitably attracted attention from several elite clubs, but PSG appear determined to win the race for his signature.
Why Akliouche Appeals to Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique demands far more from his wide players than simply beating defenders and delivering crosses.
At PSG, wingers are expected to constantly rotate positions, drift into central areas, combine quickly with midfielders, and contribute aggressively in the pressing phase. The Spaniard prefers technically gifted attackers who are comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and making intelligent decisions at high speed.
Akliouche possesses many of these qualities already.
Although naturally left-footed, he is most effective when deployed on the right flank. From there, he frequently cuts inside onto his stronger foot, allowing him to create chances, thread through balls, or unleash shots from dangerous positions.
His close control is exceptional, enabling him to evade pressure with ease. He is also an inventive passer who consistently looks to break defensive lines rather than opting for safer sideways options. Unlike traditional touchline-hugging wingers, Akliouche enjoys drifting between the lines and operating as an additional playmaker.
Defensively, he has shown a willingness to track back and press opponents, another attribute that would appeal greatly to Luis Enrique.
At PSG, Akliouche could rotate with established stars while learning from some of the world's best attackers. His versatility would allow him to feature on either wing, in an advanced midfield role, or even as a false nine when tactical adjustments are required.
With players such as Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola already thriving in fluid attacking positions, Akliouche would fit naturally into Enrique's highly dynamic system.
A Move That Makes Sense for Both Club and Player
A transfer to PSG could represent the ideal next step in Akliouche's career.
He would join a club that currently stands as arguably the best team in world football, having built a squad capable of dominating domestically while competing for every major trophy internationally.
PSG's recruitment strategy has also evolved significantly in recent years. Rather than focusing solely on global superstars, the club has prioritized acquiring the brightest young French talents and developing them within an elite environment.
Signings such as Warren Zaïre-Emery, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué demonstrate that philosophy perfectly, and Akliouche fits seamlessly into that mold.
For PSG, signing one of France's most promising attacking players would strengthen an already formidable squad while securing another long-term asset. For Akliouche, the move would offer the opportunity to compete for the biggest honors in football under one of Europe's finest coaches.
It is a partnership that appears logical on every level, which explains why Luis Enrique and PSG are pushing to make it happen.
