Liverpool’s pursuit of a new attacking option this summer has taken another turn, with fresh reporting from The Athletic complicating the picture around Ibrahim Mbaye.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward has been one of the most talked-about names on Merseyside in recent days, following claims that a significant step had already been taken in his potential move to Anfield.
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Those claims, which emerged from French media on Monday, painted a clear picture of where things stood between the two parties.
But according to The Athletic, senior figures at Liverpool tell a different story about how far talks have actually progressed.
RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins said on Monday that Liverpool have reached an agreement with Mbaye on personal terms, with the two parties settling on the financial details of a five-year contract.
Hawkins added that the 18-year-old has made his decision and does not wish to pursue interest from Bayer Leverkusen, who had also been linked with the winger.
The Athletic’s report offers a more cautious version of events.
Senior Liverpool figures insist their interest in Mbaye has only been exploratory to date, and they have strongly dismissed suggestions that personal terms have already been agreed with the teenager.
“[Ibrahim] Mbaye has also been discussed this summer but senior Liverpool figures insist their interest has only been exploratory to date and strongly dismissed suggestions that personal terms have already been agreed with the 18-year-old,” the Athletic report reads.
The discrepancy leaves the exact status of any deal unclear, with two credible outlets offering contrasting accounts of how advanced talks are between Liverpool and the player’s camp.
Mbaye has been discussed alongside PSG team-mate Bradley Barcola, with Liverpool also linked with a move for the French winger this summer.
Barcola has two years remaining on his PSG contract and has also been tipped for a departure from the French champions.
Liverpool need reinforcements out wide following Mohamed Salah’s departure earlier in the transfer window.
Ibrahim Mbaye has primarily featured on the right for PSG but can operate across the forward line, a versatility that would suit Andoni Iraola’s system.
The 18-year-old made 28 senior appearances for PSG last season but has been seeking a bigger role.
Both Mbaye and Barcola were left out of PSG’s squad to face Lens, fuelling further speculation about their futures in Paris.
PSG have strengthened their attacking options this summer with the signings of Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts, moves that could open the door for further departures from Luis Enrique’s squad.