Liverpool has contacted Paris Saint-Germain about a possible transfer for their 18 year old winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who has already been linked to Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
The English and French clubs already have ongoing talks for a record move for Bradley Barcola, before a second quieter story developed in the background involving the PSG academy graduate Mbaye, who has been impressive for both his club and country.
According to reports from French pundit RMC Sports and journalist Fabrizio Romano, it is official that Liverpool has given PSG the green light on their interest in signing the young Senegalese international and has already contacted his agent, Jorge Mendes.
Regardless of an earlier interest from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, Fabrizio Romano made a strong claim that Mbaye has made his priority clear, as he feels Liverpool is a better club to continue his development under Andoni Iraola.
Who is Ibrahim Mbaye?
Ibrahim Mbaye is an 18 year old Senegeles nationale who joined PSG’s academy from French lower-league side Versailles at just the age of 10. He pushed through the club’s youth ranks before breaking into the first team in August 2024.
Despite his age, Mbaye already has a senior predegree, as he has made 15 appearances for Senegal, including being featured in the FIFA 2026 World Cup, where he had one goal contribution, which was against France.
PROFILE
Full Name: Ibrahim Mbaye
Date of Birth: 24 January 2008
Preferred Foot: Left
Nationality: Senegalese
Position: Forward
Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Senior Appearances for PSG: 42
Senior Career Goal Contribution for PSG: 4 goals and 4 assists in all competitions.
The Bradley Barcola Connection
Here is where the entire story got bigger because Liverpool has been in close talks with PSG winger Bradley Barcola before even making contact with Mbaye’s camp about his availability. Paris Saint-Germain wants a record fee for the French international, but close talks are still on as Liverpool plans on completing the transfer this summer.
Barcola is just 23 and has won back-to-back Champions League titles with the Ligue 1 side, but has recently expressed his frustration with lack of game time at the club. Reports have it that he rejected a new contract with PSG despite still having two years left on his current contract.
PSG has valued him at £145 million, with Liverpool working with a close valuation of £80 million to £100 million, with possible add-ons to seal the deal with PSG before the start of the season.
Encouraging for Liverpool, as PSG has already sorted Barcola’s replacement, as they recently signed Monaco’s winger Magnes Akliouche and are opening talks over Ajax’s Mika Godtz. This is a green light for Liverpool that the French Champions are willing to sell Barcola.
Why Do Liverpool Want Ibrahim Mbaye?
Liverpool’s interest in Mbaye is tied directly to the club’s need for a natural right winger to fill the gap left by Mohammed Salah. The new manager, Andoni Iraola, has placed strong emphasis on the squad needing a right winger, as the club was earlier linked with Yan Diomade and Maghnes Aklioche, both natural right wingers.
Mbaye perfectly fits what Liverpool are looking for in a player, as he is versatile and can also play from the left wing, which matches the flexibility of Iraola’s tactics.
Reports have it that Liverpool is planning on going into the 2026/2027 season with five wingers, including a young winger. Ibrahim Mbaye is just 18 and would perfectly fit in this role, given his age and upside.
PSG currently prices Ibrahim Mbaye between £34 million to £43 million, which is significantly cheaper compared to the £145 million the club is asking for Bradley Barcola, who is not even a natural right winger.
However, Liverpool are interested in both players, meaning they are adding a proven talent and, at the same time, a young long-term potential who could become a star just like the former Senegalese at Liverpool, Sadio Mane.
Why Liverpool Are Pushing Both Players at Once
At first glance, chasing two wingers from the same club in the same window might look excessive, but it fits Iraola’s game plan ahead of the 2026/2027 season. Liverpool’s new head coach believes so much in pressing tactics and clearly wingers play a key role in that system.
As earlier stated, the mix of Barcola and Mbaye in a transfer window could be introducing an already experienced talent and a younger player who can develop over the next few seasons into a world sensation.
Liverpool has earlier completed the signing of Spanish wonderkid Victor Munoz; adding these two players to the list could become the ideal rebuilding of the wide areas and a strategic move following the departure of Mohammed Salah.
Ibrahim Mbaye FAQ
Q. How old is Ibrahim Mbaye?
A. He is 18 years old.
Q. What position does Mbaye play?
A. Primarily right wing, though he is comfortable playing on the left as well.
Q. How much would Ibrahim Mbaye cost?
A. Reports suggest PSG wants somewhere between £34 million and £43 million.
Q. Which other clubs are interested in Ibrahim Mbaye?
A. Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked, but he is reported to prioritise Liverpool.
Q. Is Liverpool also signing Bradley Barcola?
A. Liverpool are still in pursuit of the Frenchman, although there is a huge gap between the two clubs’ price valuations for the player.
Q. Will Liverpool sign both Mbaye and Barcola?
A. It is possible. Liverpool are reportedly planning for five wingers in the squad this season, and sources have suggested that the club could pursue both this summer.
