Ibrahim Mbaye has been linked with Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, but the Reds have now responded to claims that they have already agreed personal terms with the PSG forward
Ibrahim Mbaye.
There has been conflicting reports on whether personal terms have been agreed with Ibrahim Mbaye(Image: Bagu Blanco/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Liverpool has responded to reports of an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain youngster Ibrahim Mbaye, insisting its interest in the 18-year-old remains exploratory at this stage.
PSG winger Bradley Barcola has emerged as Liverpool's top transfer target, with reports claiming the Reds have submitted an improved bid for the France international. However, his teammate was also understood to be high on Liverpool's wishlist.
Talks over Mbaye are reportedly ongoing as Liverpool look to negotiate down PSG's asking price, while RMC Sport reports that the Reds have been in contact with the teenager's representatives. Mbaye is said to favor a move to Liverpool over Bayer Leverkusen with the report stating he had agreed personal terms on a five-year contract. Liverpool would now need to reach an agreement with PSG to complete the deal.
However according to The Athletic, senior figures at Liverpool insist that the Reds interest in Mbaye remains exploratory at this stage and have strongly denied reports that personal terms have already been agreed with the teenager.
Both Barcola and Mbaye were left out of the PSG squad for their French Super Cup defeat to Lens at the weekend, while a visibly frustrated Luis Enrique declined to comment on either player's future after the match. “I will speak about the transfer window when it is finished," he said.
Speaking ahead of that game, the PSG boss did address the possibility of players leaving the club before the transfer window closes. He said: "We are a very young, very ambitious team,' he said. "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."
Ibrahim MBAYE of Paris SG during the friendly match between Mallorca and Paris
Ibrahim Mbaye continues to be linked with a transfer switch to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Bagu Blanco/Icon Sport via Getty Images))
The European champions had been looking to strengthen their attacking options before sanctioning further departures, and those reinforcements have now arrived. The signings of Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts have added a combination of versatility, experience and potential to PSG's forward line.
Unlike Barcola, Mbaye has attracted interest from a number of clubs, meaning Liverpool could face significant competition for the 18-year-old's signature. Manchester United is reportedly among eight teams monitoring the Senegal international, increasing the pressure on Liverpool to make progress if they want to secure his services.
That could make the coming weeks particularly important for the Reds as they look to finalize their attacking options ahead of the new season, with both Mbaye and Barcola at delicate stages in their respective transfer situations.
Whether Liverpool can sign Mbaye, Barcola or both remains to be seen, but the possibility of a high-profile double swoop could still be on the cards during the final weeks of the summer window.