Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18-year-old forward developed at Paris Saint-Germain and under professional contract until 2028, has carved out a small role in the first-team squad but has yet to secure regular playing time. There has been talk of a contract extension or a transfer window departure. Since Tuesday evening, numerous journalists have reported a battle between Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool for his signature. This has been confirmed by the Daily Mail, which notes that the PSG academy graduate could be signed by the English club alongside Bradley Barcola—the 23-year-old PSG forward for whom negotiations are already underway.
“Liverpool are considering an approach for both PSG flyers.”
Liverpool have been among the clubs made aware of the teenager’s availability earlier in the window, but Manchester City and Tottenham were understood to have shown greater interest.
However, it is Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen who have been making the greater progress.
Now with concerns about the squad’s capability and lack of goal-power, Liverpool are considering an approach for both PSG flyers.
Mbaye would at least be a more natural fit to replace Mo Salah who left Anfield and is closing on a move to Trabzonspor while Barcola prefers the left.
Much will depend on the asking price as PSG would likely ask for over £150m.
It is a relatively credible report, though one always exercises caution during the transfer window. Clubs have multiple targets, as do players, and there is the whole media game surrounding negotiations—not to mention media outlets that jump the gun with their claims. It is always difficult to get a clear picture.
Mbaye’s potential departure seems logical enough; he saw little action at the end of the season, and his representatives have already met with several clubs. Liverpool and Leverkusen could well be among them, setting the stage for a battle over this young talent. The English club has a pressing need in attack, so two signings would likely not be too many. With Mbaye and Barcola, they would possess real attacking thrust.
Nothing is settled yet, however, and many other outcomes remain possible for each player. We are still a long way from seeing them in the same jersey next season.
