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Liverpool Miss Out on £42.8m Mohamed Salah Replacement as Five-Year Deal Signed

Liverpool have missed out on signing Maghnes Akliouche, a £42.8 million target, after the player agreed to a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The 24-year-old winger was seen as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah by the Reds and attracted interest from other clubs including Tottenham Hotspur.

PSG Secures Akliouche After Agreement With Monaco

Akliouche, who has two years left on his contract with Monaco, had not extended his deal earlier this year. Following negotiations, PSG and Monaco settled on a transfer fee of £42.8 million. Sources close to the deal confirm that Akliouche has now approved the move and is expected to sign a contract lasting until 2031. He will undergo a medical exam with PSG in the coming week.

Player Profile and Recent Form

Akliouche joined Monaco’s academy from Torcy nine years ago and has since tallied 23 goals and 28 assists in 139 appearances across all competitions. Last season, he contributed directly to 18 goals in 43 matches, scoring seven times and assisting 11. His performances earned recognition from France manager Didier Deschamps ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Despite being part of the France squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals, Akliouche played only briefly, coming off the bench for seven minutes against Iraq and remaining an unused substitute in other games.

Implications for Liverpool and Bradley Barcola

Liverpool missing out on Akliouche is a setback but not decisive since he was never their main target. The move may influence Liverpool’s pursuit of another French forward, Bradley Barcola, who is also linked with a switch to Anfield despite interest from Arsenal. Talks between Liverpool and PSG over Barcola continue, though PSG’s asking price around £145 million seems inflated.

Akliouche’s arrival at PSG might not clear the path for Barcola, as Akliouche appears to be the likely replacement for Ibrahim Mbaye, who is also rumored to leave PSG. Akliouche and Mbaye share similar playing positions, while Barcola’s role differs, so the transfer might not ease competition for Barcola as some hoped.

  • Player: Maghnes Akliouche
  • Age: 24
  • Previous Club: Monaco
  • New Club: Paris Saint-Germain
  • Transfer Fee: £42.8 million
  • Contract Length: Five years (until 2031)
  • Monaco Stats: 23 goals, 28 assists in 139 matches
  • 2025/26 Season: 7 goals, 11 assists in 43 matches

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