One journalist has now revealed why Tottenham Hotspur’s winter pursuit of Maghnes Akliouche fell through.
Tottenham Hotspur have long been admirers of Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, with the Lilywhites exploring a move for him back in the summer transfer window.
However, a move then did not materialise, with Spurs signing Xavi Simons instead. But given Tottenham’s injury struggles, with several attackers out injured, there were whispers that Tottenham were willing to make a move once more for the Frenchman during the winter transfer window.
Akliouche was rumoured to be worth around £50m in January.
Again, that deal fell through, and now Pete O’Rourke has revealed just why Spurs were not able to land the midfielder, who has four goals and five assists in 29 appearances so far this season.
Why Tottenham’s attempts to sign Maghnes Akliouche fell through
According to the journalist, Monaco’s desire to go further in the Champions League meant they kept hold of their top players, including Akliouche, and as a result, priced Spurs out of a winter move.
As it stands, the French side sits 10th in Ligue 1 but has progressed to the Champions League play-off stage, where they will face fellow French side Paris Saint-Germain over two legs for a place in the last 16.
Monaco need their best players if they are to move into the next round, and Akliouche was kept for the remainder of the season.
Explaining the situation and Tottenham’s interest, Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast that the attacker remains on Spurs’ radar, while outlining why a January deal proved impossible.
“I am sure he is somebody who still remains on their list. Akliouche is a top player. Spurs did explore the possibility of a deal for the attacker in the last summer window.
“They did not really pursue it in the January window because there was no chance that Monaco were going to sell.
“They would have been looking at big money to even consider cashing in on the player, and obviously with Monaco still in the Champions League, they wanted to keep hold of their best players.
“He fits the profile for the type of player that Tottenham are looking for to add to their attacking options, a very creative player, a good ball-carrier, and he can score and assist goals.”
Summer move for Akliouche still unclear
Given how much interest Tottenham have shown in Akliouche, the question remains as to whether they will make a move for the number ten in the summer.
That does remain to be seen, especially after a report from Tom Barclay claimed that Spurs were not keen on signing Akliouche in the winter because he was viewed as a secondary number ten for Simons back in the summer.
Should Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison return from their respective injuries, it seems very unlikely that Tottenham will make a move for the Frenchman again during the summer.