Manchester City have added Maghnes Akliouche to their shortlist, with Bayer Leverkusen still pushing to sign the Monaco winger.
Manchester City have entered the race for Maghnes Akliouche, adding the 23-year-old Monaco winger to their shortlist for the final weeks of the summer window, according to Florian Plettenberg.
Akliouche has been Bayer Leverkusen’s dream target for a high-class wide signing, but City’s emergence as a suitor changes the dynamics — particularly as the Frenchman would be cheaper than Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, another name City have tracked.
Transfer Fee & Competition
Monaco value Akliouche in the €70–80 million range, but reports suggest a lower fee could be negotiated before Deadline Day. His profile — pace, dribbling, and ability to operate on either wing — fits City’s need for fresh attacking depth.
For Leverkusen, Akliouche is seen as a statement signing for a team competing at the top of the Bundesliga and in the Champions League. But with Pep Guardiola’s side now involved, it’s an open race that could go right down to the wire.
Why City Are Interested
City are exploring attacking reinforcements amid the possibility of moving on fringe forwards. Akliouche’s creativity and ability to break lines in one-on-one situations give him qualities that complement Guardiola’s structured attacking style.
“A player who can decide games in an instant — that’s why top clubs are circling.” — Transfer insider, via Sky Germany
Maghnes Akliouche – 2024/25 Stats
| Stat (2024/25) | Maghnes Akliouche |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 12 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% |
Summary: Akliouche featured in 41 matches for Monaco last season, registering 13 goals and 9 assists while maintaining an 85% pass accuracy — standout output for a wide player in Ligue 1.
Analyst Verdict
Akliouche’s ability to play on either flank or as an advanced midfielder gives him the versatility Guardiola values. At Leverkusen, he would be a guaranteed starter, but at City he would need to compete with established stars — though the lure of playing under Guardiola and fighting for major trophies is strong.
This could be one of the most intriguing transfer battles in the closing weeks of the window.
Key Insights
- Manchester City add Akliouche to shortlist as Rodrygo alternative.
- Monaco’s asking price €70–80m, but lower deal possible.
- Bayer Leverkusen still pushing hard for their “dream” winger.
- Race expected to go to Deadline Day.
What’s Next
Talks are expected to intensify in the coming days as both City and Leverkusen weigh bids. Monaco are open to a sale if the price is right, but will look to spark a bidding war to maximise value.
With less than three weeks until the window shuts, Akliouche could become one of the headline moves of the summer.
Would Akliouche be better off as a guaranteed starter at Leverkusen — or chasing trophies with City?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 13 Aug 2025 13:57
70M is crazy... I feel like whenever a PL clubs knock on the door they just add another 20M for a player.
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