Kenya Sport

Liverpool Miss Out on £42.8m Mo Salah Replacement as Maghnes Akliouche Joins PSG

Liverpool have reportedly lost their chance to sign Maghnes Akliouche, who was seen as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah. The 24-year-old attacker has committed to a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain after the two clubs agreed on a £42.8 million transfer fee.

Akliouche, currently at Monaco, had attracted interest from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. He was part of France's squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Despite Liverpool’s approach earlier in July, PSG moved quickly to secure the player who entered the final two years of his Monaco contract without any renewal plans.

Details of the Transfer and Player Profile

According to Fabrizio Romano, both PSG and Akliouche have finalized the agreement, with the player set to undergo a medical next week. His contract with PSG will run until 2031. Akliouche joined Monaco's academy nine years ago from Torcy and has since scored 23 goals and provided 28 assists across 139 appearances in all competitions.

  • Age: 24
  • Goals (all tournaments): 23
  • Assists (all tournaments): 28
  • Last season stats: 7 goals and 11 assists in 43 matches
  • World Cup role: Mostly unused substitute, 7 minutes against Iraq

Impact on Liverpool’s Pursuit of Bradley Barcola

Missing out on Akliouche is a setback for Liverpool but not a complete blow since he was not the primary target. His move to PSG might actually influence Liverpool's ongoing interest in another French forward, Bradley Barcola. Barcola, linked with both Liverpool and Arsenal, faces tougher competition for playing time at PSG now.

Liverpool continues discussions with PSG over Barcola, though the reported £145 million valuation seems inflated. Akliouche’s signing may not ease Barcola’s pathway since Akliouche and PSG teammate Ibrahim Mbaye share similar playing positions, suggesting Akliouche might replace Mbaye rather than affect Barcola's situation.

  • Potential successor to: Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG)
  • Barcola's preferred move: Liverpool
  • Barcola's market value (reported): £145 million (likely unrealistic)

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