**Barcelona Eyes Monaco’s Rising Star Maghnes Akliouche Amid Transfer Dilemma**
Barcelona’s scouting team has been closely monitoring AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, a 23-year-old attacking midfielder who has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s standout performers this season. With seven goals and 11 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, Akliouche has proven his creativity, vision, and ability to influence games at the highest level . His left-footed prowess on the right flank, combined with his dribbling and precise passing, aligns well with Barcelona’s style of play.
Despite their interest, Barcelona faces a dilemma due to the presence of Lamine Yamal, who has solidified his place as the team’s first-choice right winger. This has made the club hesitant to pursue Akliouche aggressively in the current transfer window, as reinforcing other positions—such as central defense and left-back—takes priority . However, Akliouche’s admiration for Barcelona and his public declaration of wanting to play for the club add an emotional layer to the potential transfer.
Akliouche’s rise at Monaco has been meteoric, particularly under manager Adi Hütter, where he has become a key playmaker and the team’s top assist provider. His standout performance against Barcelona in the Champions League, where he scored in a 2-1 victory, further highlighted his ability to perform on the big stage . This display reinforced the interest of Barcelona’s scouts, who see him as a player capable of thriving in La Liga.
The financial aspect of the deal also plays a crucial role, with Akliouche’s market value estimated at €40 million. Barcelona’s ongoing financial constraints mean they must carefully weigh their investments, especially with a squad overhaul planned for the summer . While the club is open to selling several players to raise funds, Akliouche’s acquisition would require strategic planning to fit within their budget.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Akliouche’s emotional connection to Barcelona strengthens the case for a future move. In a resurfaced video, he expressed his admiration for the club and Lionel Messi, calling La Liga his favorite league due to its playing philosophy . Such sentiments could ease negotiations if Barcelona decides to formalize their interest.
For now, Akliouche remains focused on Monaco’s ambitions, including securing Champions League football and competing for the Ligue 1 title. However, the allure of Barcelona and his stated dream of playing at Camp Nou keep the door open for a potential transfer in the future . The Catalan giants will continue to monitor his progress, waiting for the right moment to make their move.
Ultimately, while Barcelona’s immediate priorities lie elsewhere, Akliouche’s talent, versatility, and passion for the club make him a compelling long-term target. If financial and sporting conditions align, he could become a key piece in Barcelona’s rebuilding project under Hansi Flick . For now, the ball remains in Barcelona’s court as they assess their options in a critical summer transfer window.