Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Liverpool are reportedly set to resume talks with Paris Saint-Germain as they look to pull off a double swoop for Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.
The PSG duo are top targets for the Reds, who want to bolster Andoni Iraola's attack following Mohamed Salah's departure. They have been pursuing Barcola for several weeks but have failed to come to an agreement on a transfer fee for the French winger.
In the meantime, Iraola's transfer chiefs have also been exploring a potential deal for Mbaye, who is regarded as one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe. They have reportedly made a breakthrough in talks with the Senegalese teenage prospect.
Liverpool Push For Barcola and Mbaye
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Liverpool have reached an agreement with Mbaye on personal terms with the player agreeing to a five-year contract. The youngster is snubbing interest from Bayer Leverkusen and has made a move to Anfield his priority.
Hawkins has also revealed that the Merseyside outfit are now holding further talks with PSG over signing both players. He wrote on X:
While Liverpool have got buy-ins from both players, the finances of a double deal remain the sticking point. The Mirror claims that PSG value Barcola at £130 million and Mbaye at £42 million, which is proving problematic for the Reds.
Barcola is one of Europe's most highly-rated wingers who has been a key man in Luis Enrique's team over the years. But the 23-year-old isn't a guaranteed starter at the Parc des Princes, and new arrivals have jeopardised his chances of regular game time.
Attacking trio Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche and Mike Godts have all arrived in the French capital. This had been viewed as a boost for Iraola and his bosses but the Parisians seem determined to sell at their hefty asking price.
As for Mbaye, the 18-year-old has just broken into Enrique's senior team but his father has previously made clear he wants more minutes. He is likely to be down the European champions' pecking order heading into the new season.
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Fees correct prior to summer 2026
Anfield Chiefs Spending Big Has Come at a Cost
REUTERS/Phil Noble
Liverpool were prepared to throw £116m at Florian Wirtz and £125m at Alexander Isak last summer. While they are showing restraint by not meeting PSG's financial demands, they have already shown they have the money to spend.
That's why the Parisians aren't budging and want full value for two players the Reds are obviously eager to bring to Anfield. They are clearly using Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers' £100m+ moves as yardsticks when valuing Barcola.
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Liverpool dream duo Bradley Barcola Ibrahim Mbaye
Appearances (Starts) 29 (21) 24 (10)
Minutes Played 1,750 997
Goals 11 3
Assists 1 2
Expected Goals (xG) 1.98 2.97
Expected Assists (xA) 0.40 2.21
Shot Conversion Rate 30.0% 12.5%
Andoni Iraola gives a thumbs-up during time in charge at Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola gives a thumbs-up during time in charge at Bournemouth
Liverpool transfer targets
Bradley Barcola - More talks with PSG
Ibrahim Mbaye - Personal terms agreed
Lamine Camara - Enquiry made for AS Monaco star
Ezri Konsa - Trailing Arsenal for Aston Villa man
As the transfer window heads into its final few weeks, the situation worsens for the Anfield chiefs rather than the French capital club. It doesn't feel likely that their prices will drop unless the new round of negotiations works in the Premier League giants' favor.