Ibrahim Mbaye has emerged as the latest Paris Saint-Germain winger of interest to Liverpool, with the 18-year-old offering the flexibility Andoni Iraola seeks on the flanks.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola is well documented, but his teammate Mbaye has since emerged as a target as the Reds seek multiple additions to their forward line.
The 18-year-old has attracted interest from clubs in Germany, but it is the Reds who are exploring and now leading the race for the Senegal international.
With the help of FotMob, we take a look at why the teenager has emerged as a strong contender to bolster the wings.
Who is Ibrahim Mbaye?
The 18-year-old was born in France and joined PSG’s academy at the age of 10. By 16, he was already involved in pre-season training and matches under Luis Enrique.
He scored just nine minutes into his first friendly appearance for the senior team, and just weeks later made his official PSG debut in the opening match of the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season.
It saw Mbaye become the youngest player to start a league game for the French club at 16 years, six months, and 23 days, surpassing the record of teammate Warren Zaire-Emery.
Since then, he has played 42 times for the senior team and collected two Ligue 1 titles and two Champions League winners’ medals.
Mbaye represented France at youth levels but switched his allegiance in 2025, since earning 15 caps for Senegal and featuring in the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup.
Right and left winger, but what are his strengths and weaknesses?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, April 13, 2026: Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye (R) during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg game between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, April 13, 2026: Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye (R) during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg game between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Crucially for Liverpool, Mbaye is capable of playing on both wings – which Iraola has already demanded of his wide players – though he is predominantly known for his work on the right flank.
With first-team experience and a blossoming international career, you may be wondering why PSG would be willing to sell and why Mbaye is open to an exit.
It is because he is expected to have only a bit-part role if he stays, with PSG investing in new wingers this summer, leaving him and Barcola on the periphery.
Strengths
Player Profile: Ibrahim Mbaye
There is plenty of upside and promise when it comes to Mbaye, who will only improve with more experience and trust in the forward line.
At his core, he is quick off the mark and relishes taking on his defender, qualities that Liverpool will need while potentially also complementing Barcola on the opposite flank:
• Pace (33.6km/h in 2025/26 Champions League, only two LFC players were faster)
• One-v-ones (top 15% for successful dribbles)
• Direct (top 13% for touches in opposition box)
• Confident
• Can play on both wings; primarily right-sided
• Comfortable receiving under pressure
• Generates shots inside box (20/24 in Ligue 1)
• Prefers short passes (86.5% accuracy)
Weaknesses
While PSG are investing in their wide positions, there have also been reports that Mbaye’s attitude is rubbing Enrique and the club the wrong way, as well as unwanted input from his circle.
• Decision making (when to pass and find target in final third)
• Crossing (bottom 18% for successful crosses)
• Attitude concerns
• Limited first-team experience/starts (42 senior club appearances)
• Still developing physically
Why a deal would make sense for Liverpool
Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye (20) celebrates his side's first goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Senegal in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye (20) celebrates his side's first goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between France and Senegal in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
With squad depth and the balance of non-homegrown players crucial, signing Mbaye would allow Liverpool to register the teenager as a U21s player, ensuring he does not take a senior spot.
He would then go on to qualify as a homegrown player at the end of the 2028/29 season after turning 21, which would be a smart long-term move from the club.
Additionally, he would also represent a low-cost option. His price tag is around €40–50 million (£34.3 – £42.9m) and over the length of an initial five-year deal, and hopefully longer, he would be expected to repay that and more.
Still a teenager in the early stages of his career, Liverpool would hope to mould him into a player and man ready to carve out a career as an elite winger.
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Bradley Barcola, PSG (Image: UEFA)
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