Official Market: PSG Signs Player Who "Had a Brilliant Performance Against Benfica"

Paris Saint-Germain didn't dwell long on missing out on Yan Diomande, who for several weeks was touted as the primary target for the French champions and two-time European title holders.

Just hours after Real Madrid announced the signing of the Ivorian, the French club unveiled Paris's new number 11: Maghnes Akliouche.

While the financial details of the transfer were not officially disclosed, reports in the French press indicate that the 24-year-old French international winger cost the Parisians €50 million. 

This fee places Akliouche among the top five most expensive French players ever signed by PSG, on par with the investments made in Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona) and Desiré Doué (Rennes). He trails only Kolo Muani (€95 million, Eintracht Frankfurt) and Kylian Mbappé (€180 million, Monaco).

Akliouche marks the first reinforcement of the season for Luis Enrique's squad, securing one of French football's most promising talents on a contract until 2031. 

In the news release announcing the new signing, PSG highlighted a standout Champions League performance by Akliouche… against Benfica.

“In his debut Champions League season, he scored against Barcelona, contributing to a victory. He had a remarkable season, also providing assists against Dinamo Zagreb and Red Star Belgrade. Against Benfica, he once again proved decisive with an assist, delivering one of his most brilliant performances of the season,” the statement read.

The new teammate of Portuguese stars Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and João Neves expressed his pride in this career move. “Signing with Paris Saint-Germain is an immense honor. Joining such a prestigious club means a great deal to me and my family.”