Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye were both named on the bench as PSG beat Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg on Wednesday amid Liverpool transfer interest
Bradley Barcola in action for France at the World Cup.
Bradley Barcola in action for France at the World Cup.(Image: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Neither Bradley Barcola nor Ibrahim Mbaye played for PSG as the Ligue 1 giant beat Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg.
Barcola is a top target for Liverpool before the September 1 transfer deadline, while Mbaye is another under consideration as the Reds' look to bolster Andoni Iraola's forward line ahead of the new season.
It was revealed in the build-up to the game that Barcola had been ill, though he was named among the substitutes. Mbaye, meanwhile, the 18-year-old winger, did not always feature for PSG last term, which is why he is open to an exit.
In terms of a transfer deal for either player, their absence here means little. Barcola has already made clear privately that he wants to move to Liverpool.
Under contract until 2028, the player will not sign an extension. While Enrique would rather keep the 23-year-old, Barcola wants a bigger role in the team, which is what Liverpool can offer him.
Asked about Barcola post-match, PSG chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi told Canal Plus: "We're working calmly. We don't talk too much. I can’t say whether he will leave or not. Today, he is a PSG player. We'll see."
Bradley Barcola of PSG.
Bradley Barcola of PSG.(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Should PSG get deals over the line for Ferran Torres and Mika Godts, then it would surely be more open to letting Barcola leave. It has already signed Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco this summer.
Before PSG took on Aston Villa, Enrique was asked about Barcola's situation, but he didn't give much away.
He was also questioned on the pursuit of Torres, who is the closest to becoming a new addition at the Parc des Princes as things stand.
"I don't know and I don't want to speak about any player individually," Enrique said of Barcola.
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"It's always dangerous when you are asking something positive or negative about a player. I stay focused on my team."
When pressed about Torres, he responded: "I'm not here to talk about the transfer market... only about the players who are currently at PSG."
Liverpool.com says: Barcola, in particular, is a must for the Reds this summer. But getting Mbaye in alongside him would have a transformational impact.
Liverpool cannot leave itself light in key areas and work is ongoing. Other options alongside Mbaye are also being looked at to bolster the forward line.