News that PSG are set to sign Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche should actually excite Liverpool fans if two Fabrizio Romano updates are accurate.
Yesterday, Romano reported that Akliouche is on his way to PSG as the 24-year-old has “already given his green light” to the move.
While the players are locked in at the World Cup, PSG are working overtime behind the scenes as Maghnes Akliouche has already given his green light to Paris Saint-Germain weeks ago.
Negotiations with AS Monaco remain underway. Big moves happening. pic.twitter.com/jVHhRjjzqk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2026
Liverpool were one of the clubs linked with signing the 24-year-old, but have missed out so how could this be a good thing for the Reds?
Well, Fabrizio Romano reported last week that if PSG signed both Akliouche and Yan Diomande – another target the Parisians have taken from Liverpool – then it would open the door to a Liverpool move to sign Bradley Barcola.
Initially, he reported that if both players join PSG, Barcola to Liverpool or elsewhere would be a major story to watch. He then teasted it again four days later
Bradley Barcola. Future open. ??? https://t.co/zI4kd325cZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2026
Of the three, Barcola is the most exciting target in my opinion.
The BIG problem: The costs involved make Bradley Barcola another mega money deal from Liverpool
FSG have been spending a lot more heavily with increasing frequency of late.
When Virgil van Dijk left Southampton to join Liverpool for £75m, it sent shockwaves through the Premier League and, indeed, Europe. The Reds rarely spent major money and before 8 months would pass, and Liverpool would spend another £129m net to sign Alisson (Roma, £56.25m), Naby Keita (RB Leipzig, £54m), Fabinho (£40.50m), and Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City, £13.23m).
Last summer, Liverpool spent £4460m to sign Alexander Isak (£125m), Florian Wirtz (£116m), Hugo Ekitike (£79m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m) and Giorgi Mamardashvili (£29m).
Already in the summer of 2026, Liverpool have spent £94.6m to bring Victor Munoz (£34.6m) and Jeremy Jacquet (£60m) to Anfield.
Liverpool would have spent £100m to sign Diomande but he chose PSG, however, this does show that the money is there to be spent this summer despite last summer’s huge outlay. In past seasons, I imagine Liverpool would have cooled down a bit but the need for a Salah heir is too great.
Barcola is now in line to be that signing, but The Athletic reports the money involved is also great.
According to an article penned by three Athletic reporters, Art de Roché, Chris Weatherspoon and Mark Carey, PSG want more than the £116m spent by Man City for Elliot Anderson in order to sell Barcola.
Although PSG ‘do not feel the need to sell Barcola’ despite Diomande’s imminent arrival or the French winger’s contract situation, Barcola is out of contract in July 2028, leaving two years to sign a new deal or face a free agent issue.