Ibrahim Mbaye is a player under consideration at Liverpool ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline, but several other clubs around Europe are also said to be keen
PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye.
PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye.(Image: Xavi Bonilla/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Ibrahim Mbaye, the PSG forward, is among a number of options under consideration at Liverpool this summer, with Andoni Iraola's side still lacking numbers and quality in the final third.
But Mbaye, a highly-rated 18-year-old winger, is not only admired by Liverpool. Indeed, there is said to be around eight other clubs around Europe keeping tabs on him ahead of a potential exit in the coming weeks.
As is the case with Bradley Barcola, PSG has brought in Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts already this summer. It is also chasing Ferran Torres, the Barcelona attacker who used to play for Manchester City.
Should it get a deal over the line for a third forward, even having sold Goncalo Ramos and Lee Kang-in, losing at least one of Barcola or Mbaye would appear to be much more realistic.
Neither of the pair featured during PSG's game with Lens on Sunday.
In the race for Mbaye, according to AS, Liverpool has been joined by Manchester United, Bayern Munich, FC Porto, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, AS Roma and Aston Villa in eyeing the teenager.
Mbaye made 28 appearances at senior level for PSG last season, but he wants a bigger role in the side moving forward. The player, like Barcola, is looking for a clearer pathway to being a regular.
PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye.
PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye.(Image: Xavi Bonilla/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Most often, Mbaye has played off the right for PSG, though he is left-footed. He can also play across the forward line, so he would fit the kind of profile that Andoni Iraola has spoken about wanting at the club.
"Our wingers, I normally try to encourage to have the ability to play both sides," Iraola noted earlier on in pre-season.
"I know some of them are more comfortable on one side, but our team is not normally symmetrical so sometimes one winger has to do more defensive work, play higher, be more inside, be more outside.
“So if you can give me the option to put you both sides, it’s going to be easier for you to get minutes.
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"Also, now in pre-season I have to see where they are more comfortable, but in my previous clubs most wingers play both sides. Then even during games we change a lot of times the sides of the winger.
"I would like now if we can have this versatility, for me it’s a big help. I think it’s also a great skill to have because in the end you become less predictable. I know most prefer one side, but maybe we want to exploit one match-up or can see a weakness for if you have the ability to play on both sides."
Liverpool.com says: Mbaye would be a good option for the Reds, but he can't be the only one. As talented as he is, he is a teenager, and would need some time to adapt.
If Liverpool ended the window with Barcola and Mbaye coming in, that would address lots of concerns. But there are also other things to work out, including what happens next with Curtis Jones.