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PSG look set to frustrate Liverpool yet again in the wide-forward market, this time by tying up a deal for another winger admired at Anfield.
The European giants have increasingly felt like Liverpool’s transfer nemesis in wide areas. The French champions have already moved ahead of the Reds in the race for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.
Diomande was high on the Reds’ winger shortlist, but he has indicated his preference to join Luis Enrique’s side.
One of those alternatives is, of course, Bradley Barcola. But PSG have hardly rolled out the red carpet for Liverpool.
The 23-year-old has been on the Reds’ radar for months, yet PSG have spent most of the past year either rejecting approaches or exploring a bumper new contract to keep him at the Parc des Princes.
Even now, with Barcola frustrated by his game-time and open to a move if the right project emerges, PSG are making it clear he will only leave for a very high fee.
Now PSG have reached an agreement in principle on a five-year contract with Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, another versatile attacking midfielder/winger who has been on Liverpool’s wider scouting radar.
According to RMC, all that remains is for PSG and Monaco to find common ground on the transfer fee, with discussions ongoing between the clubs after the player gave the green light to the move.
The 23‑year‑old, contracted to Monaco until 2028, had previously played down talk of a departure, but PSG’s persistence appears to have paid off as they move to add yet another gifted French attacker to Luis Enrique’s squad.
From a Liverpool perspective, the knock-on effect is obvious. If PSG succeed in bringing in both Diomande and Akliouche in the same window, they would be even stronger in the wide and half-space positions – and that could finally open the exit door for Barcola.
PSG still want to protect their valuation and may even drive the price up further on the back of these reinforcements, but the logic is inescapable