Paris Saint-Germain‘s lofty valuation of Bradley Barcola is “proving problematic” for Liverpool, but the club want to go into next season with five wingers.
Club-to-club talks between Liverpool and PSG were expected this week after Barcola was identified as the latest No. 1 target to reinforce Andoni Iraola‘s attack.
But The Times‘ Paul Joyce, corroborating the Reds’ interest in 18-year-old Mbaye, has stated that the French club’s £145 million valuation of Barcola is “proving problematic.”
Liverpool had been seeking to strike a compromise and agree a deal around £100 million, having no inclination to match the price tag PSG have set for the 23-year-old.
France's Bradley Barcola celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze final at the Miami Stadium. Picture date: Saturday July 18, 2026.
France's Bradley Barcola celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze final at the Miami Stadium. Picture date: Saturday July 18, 2026.
This is why no official bid has yet been lodged, as Liverpool know currently that an offer closer to £100 million would be immediately rejected.
However, L’Equipe reporter Loic Tanzi is more positive, saying that all negotiating parties remain confident a solution will be found.
Tanzi adds that “the English club has no intention of meeting PSG’s demands, which exceed €150 million, including bonuses.”
While interest in Mbaye is “separate” to Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola, Joyce notes that the club have “broadened their search for attacking reinforcements” and are “considering a number of options.”
Despite supporters, and Iraola, pointing to other positions in need of reinforcements, Joyce reiterated that the “priority for Liverpool is to bolster their forward options.”
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool are planning to have five wingers for next season (currently three with Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz), “with an additional one being a younger player they want to develop.”
Why Liverpool are eyeing Ibrahim Mbaye
Mbaye has since emerged as a possible option and would tick several boxes for Liverpool, including being a young, developing option.
While predominantly a right winger, he is also comfortable on the left and has pace and directness to bolster Iraola’s attacking options.
He would not take up a non-homegrown spot in the Reds’ Premier League squad, instead he would be registered as an U21s player and down the line qualify as a homegrown player.
Ibrahim Mbaye of PSG 17/05/2026 - France/Ile-de-France (region)/Paris - Julien Mattia/Le Pictorium Credit: LE PICTORIUM/Alamy Live News
Ibrahim Mbaye of PSG 17/05/2026 - France/Ile-de-France (region)/Paris - Julien Mattia/Le Pictorium Credit: LE PICTORIUM/Alamy Live News
The teenager is valued at around €40 million (£34.2m) to €50 million (£42.8m), and his agent, Jorge Mendes, “has strong links with the club’s hierarchy,” as per Joyce.
With PSG investing in their wide positions this summer, having targeted Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts, Mbaye will be aware his game time will suffer.
The French-born Senegal international is reportedly interested in moving to Anfield and, as per Sky Sports, “it is possible that Liverpool could sign Mbaye and another more experienced option.”
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