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

Reports indicate that Liverpool have failed to secure the signing of Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco, with the 24-year-old winger agreeing a five-year contract at Paris Saint-Germain. The deal reportedly involves a £42.8 million fee.

Akliouche was considered a potential successor to Mohamed Salah by Liverpool after the Reds made an approach earlier in July. Tottenham Hotspur also showed serious interest in the versatile French attacker, who featured in the France squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

PSG Steps Ahead and Seals Agreement

The French champions moved ahead in the race for Akliouche, whose contract with Monaco entered its final two years without any extension plans. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, PSG and Monaco agreed on the transfer fee, and Akliouche has now given his approval to the move. He is expected to sign a contract through 2031 and undergo his medical next week under coach Luis Enrique.

Akliouche's Monaco Career and International Role

Akliouche joined Monaco’s academy from Torcy nine years ago. Over 139 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 club, he has scored 23 goals and provided 28 assists. Last season alone, he contributed directly to 18 goals across 43 games, with seven goals and 11 assists, catching the attention of France manager Didier Deschamps before the World Cup.

Despite this, his World Cup impact was limited. Akliouche was mostly an unused substitute, playing only seven minutes off the bench against Iraq during France’s campaign.

Implications for Liverpool and Bradley Barcola Pursuit

Missing out on Akliouche is a setback for Liverpool, given his age and ability on the right wing. Still, he wasn’t considered their primary target. His move to PSG could influence Liverpool’s pursuit of another French talent, Bradley Barcola, who faces more competition in Paris following Akliouche's arrival.

Barcola reportedly prefers a transfer to Liverpool despite links to Arsenal. Talks between Liverpool and PSG are expected to continue, though PSG’s valuation of £145 million seems unlikely to be met. It remains uncertain if Akliouche’s arrival will affect Barcola’s future, since Akliouche may be seen as replacing Ibrahim Mbaye, who is also linked with leaving PSG. Positionally, Mbaye and Akliouche share similarities that Barcola does not, so the situation might not provide Liverpool with an advantage after all.

• Player: Maghnes Akliouche
• Age: 24
• Former Club: Monaco
• New Club: Paris Saint-Germain
• Transfer Fee: £42.8 million
• Contract Length: Five years (until 2031)
• Monaco Stats: 139 matches, 23 goals, 28 assists
• 2025/26 Season: 43 matches, 7 goals, 11 assists
• International: Part of France 2026 World Cup squad, limited minutes played