Liverpool remains interested in a double swoop for Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, as links continue to surround the pair and a transfer switch
Luis Enrique was asked about the future of Liverpool transfer targets Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye
Luis Enrique was asked about the future of Liverpool transfer targets Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye(Image: (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images))
Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique was questioned about the future of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye after his side's clash in the Trophee des Champions, amid links with a transfer switch to Liverpool.
The pair were left out of PSG's match with RC Lens and were forced to watch from the stands, as uncertainty continued to surround their futures. Both stars only have two years remaining on their contracts at the Parc des Princes, and with game time coming at a premium, an exit has seemed likely throughout the summer transfer window.
Barcola has been heavily linked with Liverpool ever since he turned down a possible contract extension with PSG, as he offered plenty of quality and potential for the future.
While he could be a successor to Mohamed Salah in terms of ability, the French international features on the left flank and leaves a glaring hole on the right that the Reds must fill.
That's where Mbaye comes into the equation.
The 18-year-old's own contract situation has led to uncertainty over his next move, with Liverpool attentive to his situation as a potential arrival on the right.
The possibility of both players leaving the French capital has only increased as the window has drawn on, with PSG's transfer business pointing towards the pair being available.
The arrivals of Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche, and Mika Godts have bolstered Enrique's forward line, but it has added far too many options at his disposal should the window slam shut now.
As a result, both Barcola and Mbaye were left out of PSG's defeat to Lens on Sunday, only leading to more speculation over their futures.
When asked specifically about the duo being left out of the squad, the manager gave the cold shoulder to the situation, simply saying: "I’ll talk about the situation after the transfer window has passed."
Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye
Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye have been left out by PSG(Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
It's simply the latest cryptic hint from the PSG boss that the future of the pair is far from clear-cut, as neither player featured against Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup the match prior.
For Liverpool, it is yet more motivation to get a deal done before the transfer window closes, as the European champions have set out a clear stance with both transfer targets for the final few weeks of the market.
There is still some negotiation to be done, however, with reports claiming that PSG and Liverpool have a difference in valuation for Barcola and Mbaye, which could remain a sticking point in the weeks ahead.
However, the latest stance from Enrique, mixed with an unbalanced roster of players, means the Reds could finally have some leverage to bring the fees down.