Liverpool now knows how much it could cost to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye this summer
Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain is seen ahead of a French L1 football match
PSG have set a eyewatering price for teenage talent Ibrahim Mbaye amid interest from Liverpool(Image: Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain has set its asking price for Liverpool target Ibrahim Mbaye, if the latest reports from France are anything to go by.
The Reds are firmly in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer following Mohamed Salah's departure at the end of last season. So far, the club has signed just Victor Munoz from Osasuna, thanks to a relatively modest release clause, but it is still painfully lacking in options in wide areas.
The approach has understandably been criticized by some sections of the fanbase as Liverpool kicks off its Premier League campaign on Sunday without its marquee signings over the line. Bradley Barcola, in particular, has been the club's primary target for much of the summer, but an agreement with PSG is yet to be reached.
Mbaye, 18, is also likely to leave the Parc des Princes before the deadline given the number of attacking talents signed by the European champion this summer. Liverpool had been linked with a move for the Senegal international as part of a double swoop involving Barcola.
However, the latest update from RMC Sport has given the clearest indication yet as to why a deal for the teenager has not progressed after initial reports of Liverpool's interest emerged a number of weeks ago. PSG's asking price remains astronomically high for a player who has made just 42 senior appearances.
The outlet claims PSG is seeking a fee in the region of £60 million ($82 million), potentially higher depending on the suitor. This figure has likely deterred interested clubs, including Liverpool, which values the player closer to £43 million ($59 million).
It has been suggested Liverpool retains an interest in Mbaye and has agreed personal terms with the player, although it is worth noting that such reports have been played down by the English media. The teenager still has two years remaining on his deal with PSG and has been linked with a handful of clubs this summer, including Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen.
Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates following a victory in the Premier League
Liverpool have reportedly had a bid rejected for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh(Image: Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
In recent days, however, there have been suggestions Liverpool is pursuing other targets. Brighton's Yankuba Minteh had been tentatively linked at the start of the summer, but that interest appears to have intensified of late.
News of a bid worth in the region of £50 million ($68 million) being rejected broke earlier this week, while a fresh bid of £60 million ($82 million) was reportedly rejected on Friday, as per widespread reports. Interestingly, the Reds appear to be pursuing the 22-year-old regardless of the fact he's currently sidelined through injury and is expected to be out until October.
So far this summer, aside from Munoz, Liverpool has made just a handful of additions in the form of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, with a deal for the latter having been pre-agreed back in January. Ronald Araujo has also joined on loan from Barcelona in a bid to bolster Andoni Iraola's defensive options.
However, the lack of depth in attack remains the glaring issue for Liverpool as the first game of the season quickly approaches. The Reds take on Newcastle on Sunday and will likely rely on Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Rio Ngumoha to spearhead the attack.