Liverpool are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco, which has been heavily reported as being a key piece of the-Bradley-Barcola-to-Anfield-puzzle.
The Reds have had an uncharacteristically quiet summer transfer window this year.
While a surprise £34.6m deal to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna excited fans about what was to come, it’s the only deal negotiated and agreed so far this summer.
Jeremy Jacquet also joined the club from Rennes for £60m, but the transfer was agreed in January, meaning the only deal actually completed this summer remains Munoz.
That said, it’s not as though Liverpool have no plans to sign anyone this summer.
Liverpool are in talks to sign Barcola from PSG, with James Pearce reporting this week that they are set to submit an opening bid worth around £100m.
Pearce reported for the Athletic: “Liverpool are set to table an opening bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. The France international has emerged as Liverpool’s top target in the transfer market as they look to replace Mohamed Salah, who left the club at the end of last season.
“PSG have indicated that they value Barcola at around £145million but Liverpool have no intention of going that high to secure his services.
“They will look to do a deal closer to £100m given that the player has made it clear he won’t sign a new contract at PSG and wants to embark on a new challenge on Merseyside.”
The timing of Liverpool making their first bid for Barcola as Akliouche closes in on PSG is no coincidence
Fabrizio Romano has today reported that Paris Saint-Germain are closing in on a deal to sign Maghnes Akliouche, with reports recently claiming that the value of this transfer will be around the £60m mark.
Reporting his exclusive on X, the Italian journalist says: “Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco reach breakthrough in talks for Maghnes Akliouche!
“Agreement now at final stages between clubs. Details to be sorted and then here we go expected next.”
??? EXCL: Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco reach breakthrough in talks for Maghnes Akliouche!
Agreement now at final stages between clubs. Details to be sorted and then here we go expected next. ?? pic.twitter.com/tcaFc70Gpe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 30, 2026
Liverpool signing Barcola is crucial to the new Andoni Iraola era.
The French winger has 34 goals and 28 assists in the last two seasons for PSG despite playing a deputy role to Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.