Man Utd get green light to sign their Saka

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 Apr 2025 08:21 CDT
• 8 min read

Analysis

Manchester United have been told that the door is open to move for a player who has the capacity to develop into their very own Bukayo Saka – but he will not come cheap.

Man Utd have endured a torrid season that may yet be saved by the Europa League, with a dramatic victory over Lyon in the quarters keeping their hopes of reaching the Champions League alive.

This could be key to unlocking a game-changing deal for Ruben Amorim’s side, with Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche in their sights, according to L’Equipe.

Current ETV

Maghnes Akliouche

M (R)

Monaco

Maghnes Akliouche

M (R)

Monaco

€42.7M

ETV Range

€38.5M - €47M

View full profile

The 23-year-old Frenchman has been an outstanding figure for Adi Hutter’s side this season, delivering six goals and 10 assists all competitions, including a winner against Barcelona in the Champions League back in September.

As such, Monaco have placed an asking price of €70-80 million on his head, though L’Equipe quotes an anonymous source who suggests that €50-55m may be a more reasonable price given the financial difficulties surrounding French football currently.

“He has become a talented, successful player. He is only 23 years old and I don't see many players with as much quality as him. He is ready for the next step, to become a great player for a big club. We can imagine that there will be offers for him,” Hutter said on Thursday.

What type of player is Akliouche?

Bukayo Saka is a strong template for describing the type of player Akliouche is, according to SciSports, which also likens him to Lamine Yamal and Phil Foden.

He is primarily a wide playmaker, with the big difference between him and Saka that the Arsenal star is a more rounded player more difficult to pigeonhole into one role or another.

Akliouche v Saka: Playing style 2024/25

Akliouche’s strengths, meanwhile, are primarily creative. He excels in terms of his dribbling and passing, but is weaker when it comes to finishing, which is a story told by his season statistics. He has eight assists for the campaign, just one behind the leaders in Ligue 1.

The fact that he presses well out of possession will be an attractive asset to Amorim and Man Utd, with his defensive game well rounded for a player of his technical gifts.

On top of this, he is physically there, ranking among the quickest Ligue 1 players and offering good stamina, too.

Who wants to sign him?

Man Utd’s move for Akliouche is based around their qualification for the Champions League next season, L’Equipe indicates. Should they fail to reach Europe, he has other options.

Manchester City and PSG are both following the player closely, and while there has been talk of a potential move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, this has not come to anything significant.

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