Liverpool's €50m Akliouche pursuit over as Barcola chase intensifies

Liverpool's hopes of signing Maghnes Akliouche appear to be over, with the Monaco winger reportedly closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain. According to RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins, PSG have agreed a €50m (£42.7m) fee with Monaco and Akliouche is expected to sign a five-year deal. Liverpool had been interested in the 24-year-old, and insider sources reported that an enquiry had been made over his availability. In May, L'Equipe claimed Liverpool viewed Akliouche as a possible long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah. With that move fading, Liverpool are now focusing on Bradley Barcola. sources reported on Wednesday that the Reds are preparing an opening offer for the PSG forward, who the French champions value at around €170m (£145.5m). Liverpool are hoping to strike a deal closer to €117m (£100m). French sources indicate Barcola is reluctant to extend his contract at PSG, with his current deal having two years left to run. The 23-year-old is said to favour a move to Liverpool this summer, provided the clubs can reach an agreement with Luis Enrique's European champions. Arsenal also admire Barcola, but they are currently prioritising an ambitious move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. Barcola came through Lyon's academy and made 47 senior appearances for the club before joining PSG in August 2023 for €45m (£38.4m). Since then, he has scored 39 goals in 152 matches and won 12 trophies, including back-to-back Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026. Despite his pace and production, Barcola has struggled to secure a regular starting role at PSG, with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia often preferred in attack alongside Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele. He also had a limited role for France at this summer's World Cup, starting four of eight matches and recording three goals and one assist before Les Bleus lost to Spain in the semi-finals. Barcola has 28 caps and six goals for France.