"I would like to play for Barcelona" - Ligue 1 star expresses desire to play for LaLiga giants
AS Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche has expressed a desire to play for Barcelona. The Frenchman has been in fine form this season, registering four goals and five assists from 21 games across competitions.
Akliouche rose through the ranks at the Fontvieille-based club and broke into the first team in 2021. His efforts haven't gone unnoticed this season, although he is under contract until 2028.
However, Monaco are arguably a selling club and have made a fortune by offloading players over the years. Meanwhile, Barcelona are always on the lookout for the next big talent on the land. Akliouche could be a replacement for Ansu Fati, whose future with the Catalans remains uncertain.
The Frenchman said in an interview, as cited by Tribal Football, that he admires the Spanish league.
"My favourite league is the Spanish one, because of their style of play. Apart from Monaco, I would like to play for Barcelona," said Akliouche.
The 22-year-old also named Camp Nou legend Sergio Busquets as an underrated player.
"Underrated player? I would say (Sergi) Busquets. He is a very important player in a very important team and sometimes we don't realise everything he does," said Akliouche.
It is unclear if the LaLiga champions will target the player in 2025. However, should Akliouche continue his stellar rise with Monaco, a move to Camp Nou could materialize in the future.
When are Barcelona back in action?
Barcelona return to action in LaLiga on Saturday, December 21, when they hold Atletico Madrid at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The Catalans arrive at the game on a run of just one win in their last five games in the league.
Hansi Flick took charge at Camp Nou this summer and enjoyed a blistering start to his tenure. However, things have slowed down of late and the German manager has struggled to guide the team out of troubled waters.
Barcelona remain at the top of the league table after 18 games but are tied on points with Los Rojiblancos, who have a game in hand. Bitter rivals Real Madrid are a point behind on third, also with a game in hand.
As such, Flick has to get his team firing on cylinders without delay or things could get worse pretty fast. However, the Catalans have fared better in the Champions League, winning five of their six games. They are second in the European tournament table.