Liverpool Weigh Ibrahim Mbaye Move as PSG Talks Continue Over Bradley Barcola
Liverpool are considering whether to step up their interest in Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, with Bradley Barcola also under discussion as the club reviews attacking options before the market moves into a decisive phase. According to Mail, Liverpool are “assessing whether to make an approach for PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye, as well as his teammate Bradley Barcola”.
Mbaye is emerging as a particularly intriguing name. The 18-year-old right winger, described as having starred for Senegal at the World Cup, has already attracted attention across Europe. Liverpool were informed of his availability earlier in the window, while “Manchester City and Tottenham were understood to have shown greater interest”. It is also reported that “Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen” have made the strongest progress so far.
That said, Liverpool’s internal thinking appears to be evolving. With concerns around attacking output, the club are now “considering an approach for both PSG flyers”. Mbaye’s profile may make him especially relevant, with the report noting he “would at least be a more natural fit to replace Mo Salah” while “Barcola prefers the left”.
PSG Winger Options Under Review
Any move will hinge on valuation. PSG are in a strong position and “would likely ask for over £150m”. That figure, whether attached to one player or reflective of PSG’s overall stance, underlines the scale of any potential deal and helps explain why Liverpool are still in assessment mode rather than advancing aggressively.
The situation remains fluid and “is expected to become clearer in the coming days as the clubs maintain dialogue”. Mbaye, who is represented by Jorge Mendes, has been with PSG since 2018 and has already made 33 senior appearances, scoring four times. Internationally, he switched allegiance in 2025 and “became the youngest African scorer in tournament history” when he netted for Senegal against France at the World Cup.
Cody Gakpo Stance Remains Firm
Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements comes alongside outside interest in current forwards. Cody Gakpo has “emerged as a target for Tottenham”, but Liverpool’s position is clear. The club “have no plans to sell the Dutch international Gakpo” and, given he is under contract until 2030, it “would take a huge sum to change Liverpool’s stance”.
Gakpo’s return of nine goals last season was below his 2024-25 level of 18, yet he remains highly regarded internally. With Ibrahim Mbaye, Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo all part of the wider conversation, Liverpool’s next move in the forward line could shape the final weeks of their summer.
Our View
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this feels like the kind of report that sparks genuine excitement. Ibrahim Mbaye has the profile fans tend to buy into quickly, young, explosive, direct, and already producing on a senior stage. If the club truly believe he is a “natural fit” on the right, then there is logic in exploring it seriously.
Barcola is a different case. He is an outstanding talent, but if he “prefers the left”, supporters may wonder whether resources should be directed first towards the clearest positional need. Squad building has to be precise, particularly when valuations are so high. If PSG really “would likely ask for over £150m”, Liverpool must be certain any deal represents long-term value as well as instant quality.
There is also encouragement in the Gakpo stance. Keeping strong players while adding fresh quality is how elite squads are built. Selling important attackers and then trying to recover later would be a risk.
The hopeful view is simple, Liverpool know they need more goal threat and more pace in the frontline, and they are acting accordingly. Mbaye would feel like a bold move with upside, while Barcola would be a statement. Supporters will now wait to see whether this is early-stage exploration or the beginning of something more concrete.
