For Liverpool to land both Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, it would cost the Reds an astonishing transfer fee
Bradley Barcola (R) and Ibrahim Mbaye are both wanted by Liverpool
Bradley Barcola (R) and Ibrahim Mbaye are both wanted by Liverpool(Image: Getty)
A double swoop for Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye would cost Liverpool a staggering amount, with a move to sign both Paris Saint-Germain forwards deemed unlikely.
Barcola remains Liverpool's top target this summer, with the Reds actively in negotiations with PSG over a move that would see the Frenchman join the Reds. 18-year-old Mbaye is also someone Liverpool rates highly.
On Wednesday, both were unused substitutes during PSG's UEFA Super Cup win over Aston Villa, suggesting their futures lie away from the French capital. However, it seems unlikely the pair will both end up on Merseyside come the end of the transfer window, given the respective fees the duo would command.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal to sign Mbaye and Barcola would be too expensive for the Reds. "As of today, while there is a chance to go to Liverpool, Barcola's face is speaking for himself," said Romano in a YouTube transfer update.
"Barcola wants to go to Liverpool. The personal terms are almost in place, it's not a problem. Barcola is attracted by Liverpool, Barcola is wanted by Liverpool.
PSG duo Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola.
PSG duo Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola.(Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
"Now it’s on the club-to-club negotiations. There are daily negotiations. Liverpool and PSG are in direct, club-to-club talks."
Turning his attention to Liverpool's interest in Mbaye, Romano explained that while the Reds have reportedly spoken to the teenage winger's agent, Jorge Mendes, for "several days", a package to land both him and Barcola would require PSG to demand $230 million (£171m/€200m).
"But my information is that PSG believe that (Liverpool) signing Barcola and Mbaye means spending almost €200m (£171m). So that would be a crazy package to spend on two players," said Romano.
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"My understanding is that Liverpool’s plan is to sign two wingers by the end of the window, especially if Cody Gakpo goes to Tottenham. If Gakpo goes to Tottenham, and Liverpool sign Barcola, there is still space for one more winger.
"But at the moment, the price made by PSG for Mbaye is considered too expensive."
As things stand ahead of next week's Premier League opener for the Reds at St. James' Park against Newcastle United, the only attacking signing Liverpool has made is Victor Munoz.
The Spaniard arrived for a fee of around $47 million (£35 million) from Osasuna, with the Reds managing to pip Newcastle to the signing of the 23-year-old earlier this summer.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool wants Barcola, and it seems as though there could be a breakthrough on that front in the coming days. However, given the fee quoted for Barcola AND Mbaye, it also seems unlikely both wingers will swap Paris for Merseyside this summer.