PSG remain confident over Akliouche as Liverpool angle lingers

Paris Saint-Germain are still believed to be in a strong position to land Maghnes Akliouche before the summer window closes, even after Monaco rejected another improved offer.

According to L’Équipe, PSG have already seen two bids turned away. Their highest proposal so far was valued at $45.5 million (€40 million), before a third package worth $57 million (€50 million) was also refused. That latest bid was structured with around 90% guaranteed and the rest in conditional add-ons.

Monaco are open to selling Akliouche, but only on terms they consider acceptable. The club are said to be determined not to go below their asking price, though the figure has not been stated in this latest report. Existing estimates place it between $57 million and $80 million (€50 million and €70 million). If the lower end is accurate, PSG may not be far away, but negotiations between the two clubs are expected to continue.

For Liverpool, the interest is understandable even if Akliouche is not a like-for-like replacement for Mohamed Salah. He is viewed more as a creator than a scorer, and the challenge of finding a direct Salah successor remains a difficult one. Bradley Barcola is mentioned as the closest comparable option, though he is primarily a left winger and carries a price tag of $193.5 million (€170 million).

Akliouche is also regarded as an active presser without the ball, a trait shared by new left winger Víctor Muñoz and one that fits new manager Andoni Iraola’s approach. A move for a creator in Salah’s role could also influence how Liverpool build around Florian Wirtz and centre forward Alexander Isak.

Even so, the situation may still swing away from Liverpool. Other reports in France this month say Akliouche would prefer a move to PSG. If he does head to the capital, he would begin as backup to Désiré Doué on the right flank, while Barcola’s frustration has grown after seeing his role reduced since Khvicha Kvaratskhelia arrived from Napoli 18 months ago.