Liverpool are showing great interest in PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye, GMS confirms. The 18-year-old Senegalese international is expected to leave Paris this summer in search of more playing time. At the same time, they are keeping their eyes open for another PSG star – Bradley Barcola.
PSG are reportedly demanding at least €50 million for Mbaye – and the price could quickly get higher in a transfer market that is characterized by record sums.
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Simply a fantastic player
Liverpool have not yet made a bid, but Mbaye is reportedly very interested in a move to Anfield.
Leverkusen in talks – but Mbaye waits for Liverpool
Bayer Leverkusen are already in direct club-to-club talks with PSG for Mbaye, with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Leverkusen boss Fernando Carro both participating. The two have an excellent relationship, and the talks are said to have come a long way already.
Still, Mbaye is open to all options – and will welcome a formal approach from Liverpool, according to sources with insight into his thoughts.
The African “phenomenon” played 23 games last season and scored three goals. But in a squad full of attacking talent – including Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola – the competition is fierce. And PSG themselves are on the lookout for reinforcements on the wing, including Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche for around €50 million. This could further reduce Mbaye’s playing time going forward.
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Barcola dreams of Liverpool – but the price is sky-high
Liverpool are trying to land a transfer for Bradley Barcola, and have already had preliminary talks with PSG. The club is willing to bid around 100 million euros, but the French are demanding a whopping 170 million.
However, PSG should be able to lower the price throughout August, when their own recruitment is in place. Nevertheless, sources in Paris insist that Barcola must cost more than the British record sums for Elliot Anderson (£116 million) and Morgan Rogers (£117 million).
PSG argue that Barcola delivered a strong World Cup with France – three goals and one assist – and that he is also a double Champions League winner. All of this drives the price up.
Barcola himself wants to go to Liverpool, and personal terms are not expected to be a problem. The big challenge will be to agree on a transfer fee with PSG.
Two purchases – or one?
Liverpool are looking at both Mbaye and Barcola, two attacking players with completely different price tags and profiles. While Mbaye represents a long-term project at an affordable price, Barcola is an established star player at a huge sum.
The question is whether Liverpool will be able to complete one – or perhaps both – of these transfers before the window closes.
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