Maghnes Akliouche's move to Paris Saint-Germain could be done this week as Liverpool lines up its next move in the race to sign Bradley Barcola from the Ligue 1 and European champion
Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche represented France at the World Cup
Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche represented France at the World Cup(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain could wrap up its move for Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche this week, with Liverpool hoping to sign Bradley Barcola from the Ligue 1 team.
According to Sky Germany, "decisive" talks have taken place with an agreement very close. All parties expect the Akliouche deal to go through at some point this week, with the transfer set to be worth around $58 million (£43 million).
Liverpool was also namechecked as an option for Akliouche at one stage, though he appears only to have eyes for PSG. Luis Enrique bringing in another forward player, though, could help in the pursuit of Barcola.
PSG has already sold Goncalo Ramos (to AC Milan) and Kang-in Lee (to Atletico Madrid) this summer to free up space on its roster. It has missed out on Yan Diomande, who is heading for Real Madrid.
A big enough offer would convince PSG to let Barcola leave, however. The 23-year-old wants more regular game time and a bigger role in the team, which he has so far been unable to get at the Parc des Princes.
The indications are that he will not sign a new contract in Paris, though his existing deal has another two years left to run on it, so there is no immediate need to cash in.
France forward Bradley Barcola during the World Cup game against England
France forward Bradley Barcola during the World Cup game against England(Image: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
While Liverpool adding Barcola would be a big coup, Jamie Carragher is not completely convinced that he is the right profile to target to bolster Andoni Iraola's roster.
"Oh, he’s a great player, there’s no doubt about that. I’d love to get Barcola at Liverpool," Carragher said on Sky Sports. "But, in terms of... it looks like Liverpool have got one target at the moment, and that’s the one everybody’s talking about.
"He’s a left winger for me, and for me, Liverpool’s big thing that stands out like a sore thumb right now is replacing Mo Salah, a right winger.
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"I don’t think Liverpool have got anyone really in the squad who looks fully comfortable playing right wing.
"Whereas, right now, I think they probably have I’d say at least four players in the squad before Barcola joins — if he joins — who could play on the left-hand side comfortably.
"Now I’m not saying any of those players are better than Barcola, but in terms of balance of a squad, it’s not the position Liverpool need right now."
Liverpool.com says: Barcola would be a great signing for the Reds. While he does often play off the left, he can also go on the right, and that is a trait that Iraola loves in his wide forwards.