Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign Bradley Barcola, but a deal for Ibrahim Mbaye is proving a lot harder to close.
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins claims that Liverpool’s next written offer for Barcola will be accepted by PSG, but he has now revealed that the Reds are struggling on a valuation for Mbaye.
Speaking on the After Foot podcast, Hawkins refused to disclose the transfer fee he has heard PSG are demanding for Mbaye as he hasn’t verified it yet, but it’s still clear that the Parisians are demanding too much for the 18-year-old.
Hawkins added: “I don’t dare say the price being asked by Paris Saint-Germain, firstly because I haven’t had confirmation, and when I do get confirmation, I will write it.
“Ibrahim Mbaye has a contractual agreement with Liverpool. What’s really going to be a problem is the agreement between clubs because LFC are already negotiating for Barcola, who is their top priority, they really want to make it happen and I said, I think it’s going to go through.
“That’s the feeling amongst everyone in the deal. Secondly, there’s Ibrahim Mbaye but PSG are asking for a substantial fee, and at the moment Liverpool aren’t ready to accept that.
“Whilst they’re sitting down negotiating with Barcola, they’re saying ‘we will negotiate, we will find common ground’. For Ibrahim Mbaye, it’s a little bit more problematic but negotiations are still ongoing.”
Theory about Mbaye and Minteh
Reports on Thursday broke news that Liverpool have had a £50m bid rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion for Yankuba Minteh, which is a confusing story given that the Gambian forward is injured.
? Liverpool made offer in recent days to sign Yankuba Minteh from Brighton & Hove Albion. 22yo #BHAFC winger currently injured but among #LFC options for wide attacking areas – bid worth £50m turned down. W/ @AndyNaylorBHAFC @JamesPearceLFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/5bzTOfdfu0
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 20, 2026
The 22-year-old is in recovery after surgery on a hip injury sustained during a pre-season friendly, yet Liverpool have still bid £50m for him. It’s my belief – nothing more than an informed opinion – that this is little more than a way to pressure PSG into accepting a lower fee for Mbaye.
Liverpool have been in talks over signing the Senegal international for weeks now, and I don’t quite believe they’re ready to walk away.
Even if you ignore the fact that Minteh is injured, his return of three Premier League goals from 34 games is quite poor for someone who will cost more than £50m.
Maybe I just want Mbaye more than Minteh, but I’m willing to bet he’s the one Liverpool sign.