Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye were both left out of Paris Saint-Germain‘s squad for the Trophee des Champions, ahead of new talks with Liverpool.
PSG took on Lens in France’s version of the Community Shield on Sunday night – with two notable absentees.
With Luis Enrique naming his 20-man squad at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, neither Barcola or Mbaye made the cut despite it coming too soon for new signings Ferran Torres and Mika Godts.
The same front three from the midweek UEFA Super Cup win over Aston Villa started with Ousmane Dembele and teenager Quentin Ndjantou on the bench.
Liverpool are pushing to sign both Barcola and Mbaye, with plans in place to bring in two more wingers ahead of the new campaign.
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
RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins – who first broke the news of Liverpool’s interest in Mbaye – wrote on X that both players are “on their way out” and talks over moves to Anfield will continue next week.
Barcola is the No. 1 target as Andoni Iraola looks to add a top winger, while 18-year-old Mbaye is considered one of a number of options for the second signing.
There has been a difficulty in negotiating with PSG due to their lofty asking price, not least with initial demands of €170 million (£145.3m) for Barcola.
But there is an expectation that, with Torres, Godts and Maghnes Akliouche now through the door, the French champions could soften their stance as they are no longer under ransom from selling clubs.
3D0G50G LEVERKUSEN - Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain at the Bay Arena on October 21, 2025, in Leverkusen, Germany. ANP / Hollandse Hoogte / Bart Stoutjesdijk
3D0G50G LEVERKUSEN - Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain at the Bay Arena on October 21, 2025, in Leverkusen, Germany. ANP / Hollandse Hoogte / Bart Stoutjesdijk
In-house broadcaster Ligue 1+ pictured Barcola and Mbaye watching from the stands, with their absence coming after telling comments from Enrique.
“We are a very young, very ambitious team,” he told reporters ahead of the game.
“It is important for us to make changes and look for players who enjoy playing our way and who love playing for PSG.
“That is very clear to us.
“When a player doesn’t want to come here, or doesn’t have a smile on their face about being here, it is better to find another solution.”
It was widely acknowledged after PSG’s 2-1 win over Villa in midweek – a game in which both Liverpool targets went unused on the bench – that Barcola was less than enthusiastic during the celebrations.
Iraola started Cody Gakpo on the left wing in Sunday’s 2-0 friendly victory over Como at Anfield and despite the Dutchman scoring one and assisting the other, he could end the transfer window a Tottenham player.
Reports in the Netherlands claim formal contact has been made over a transfer which could be worth around £70 million.
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Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v Como 1907
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet celebrates after scoring the second goal on his debut during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v Como 1907
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet celebrates with team-mates after scoring the second goal on his debut during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)