Ligue 1 Profile
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Tottenham’s season is spiraling further downhill as they find themselves precariously settled in fourteenth place in the Premier League following a 3-2 loss to Bournemouth. With just one win in their last six league matches, speculation surrounding Thomas Frank’s position as manager has intensified. While a managerial change seems unlikely in the immediate future, reports indicate that the North London club may explore the transfer market for solutions to their increasing woes.
One significant transfer rumor gaining traction involves Tottenham’s reported eagerness to acquire Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche. The 23-year-old French forward currently has a market value of €45 million, and Monaco’s head coach recently hinted that Akliouche might leave the club soon. “I expect everyone to contribute in the second half of the season, but Maghnes has the freedom to decide his future,” said Sébastien Pocognoli ahead of Monaco’s match against Auxerre. So, who exactly is Akliouche, and why is Tottenham so keen on securing his signature this month?
Maghnes Akliouche’s Performance This Season
Akliouche has been a key player for Monaco for two and a half seasons, amassing an impressive tally of 19 goals and 22 assists in 119 appearances for the Ligue 1 side. This season, he has contributed three goals and five assists in 23 matches, although he has faced challenges with consistency in recent months. “This season, Akliouche’s form has mirrored that of last year, but he hasn’t managed to put together a consistent run,” commented Transfermarkt Ligue 1 expert Ronan Caroff. “This isn’t solely his fault; despite a coaching change in October, Monaco has won only one Ligue 1 match since early November. However, there’s a brighter side: he received his first call-up to the France national team this season and has proven impactful with a goal and an assist in just five appearances, showcasing his versatility in various attacking roles.”
Is Maghnes Akliouche Ready for the Premier League?
Thanks to his growing presence in the first team, Akliouche’s market value has surged from €300k in December 2021 to a remarkable €45 million today. His rise in value is indicative of the potential that Tottenham is eager to invest in with a significant transfer fee this month. But is the young French talent prepared for the Premier League, and can he resolve Frank’s attacking dilemmas? “I believe it might be more prudent for him to move next summer,” Caroff suggested. “Monaco currently lacks clear attacking options and may not want to lose their key asset mid-season without a proper transition plan. However, if a move happens now, I would consider him ready; he’s fit for the highest level after competing in two consecutive Champions League campaigns, standing out as a top player in Ligue 1 and as a French international. We’ve seen players like Rayan Cherki at Manchester City adapt to the physicality, proving that these talented players are capable of adjusting their style to bridge the gap.”
Other Clubs Interested in Maghnes Akliouche
Due to his impressive performances for Monaco over the last three seasons, Akliouche has attracted attention from several top European clubs. While Tottenham is currently the front-runner in pursuing him this January, in 2025, he was also linked with Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal, and Inter Milan. However, reports from France indicate that Manchester City’s long-standing interest in the player could prompt the former Premier League champions to act swiftly to secure Akliouche before Tottenham can finalize their move.
