NewsIndia

By Ishaan Kapoor — 14 August 2026 — 3 min read

Liverpool is reportedly planning to submit a bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, according to reports from France. Despite this, French journalist Romain Molina has indicated that Mbaye is not the primary target for the Premier League club during the current transfer window. While Mbaye is on Liverpool’s shortlist, he is not considered the top choice.

Mbaye has been part of PSG’s academy since the age of 10 and made his first-team debut under Luis Enrique two years ago. Last season, the 18-year-old scored three goals and provided two assists in 29 appearances for PSG, contributing to their Ligue 1 and Champions League victories. However, after returning from Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in late January, Mbaye saw limited playing time and was not included in the squad for PSG’s derby against Lyon in April.

Luis Enrique commented on his decision to omit Mbaye, stating that every minute played at PSG should be special and that he expects more from all players due to competition within the squad. Mbaye also featured in the World Cup this summer, making four appearances and scoring a goal after coming off the bench in Senegal’s 3-1 defeat to France.

Agent Influence and Priority Targets

The situation surrounding Mbaye is influenced by his agent, Jorge Mendes. Molina suggested that Mbaye’s future might depend more on Mendes’s strategies than on a direct push from Liverpool. Molina explained that Mendes is aware there will be opportunities for Mbaye towards the end of the transfer window and will use his influence with clubs to facilitate a move. However, Molina noted that Mendes’s influence is not as strong with Liverpool, especially given the high transfer fees requested by PSG.

In contrast, Liverpool appears to be prioritising a deal for Mbaye’s teammate, Bradley Barcola. The representation styles of the two players’ agents differ significantly. Molina highlighted the difference between Mendes, who focuses on connections with executives, and Moussa Sissoko, Barcola’s representative, who is known for advocating strongly for his players, even if it means clashing with clubs. Liverpool has already engaged in extensive discussions with PSG regarding Barcola this summer and is expected to hold fresh negotiations next week. PSG continues to demand a €150m (£128m) transfer fee for Barcola, a figure Liverpool has not yet matched.

Alternative Options and Financial Considerations

Should a move for Mbaye not materialise due to the asking price or his position on the shortlist, Liverpool has other options. The recruitment team has been monitoring several players for wide attacking roles, including Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo, and Bournemouth’s Rayan. Another name that has emerged is Koln’s versatile forward, Said El Mala, who can play on either flank or through the middle.

El Mala was previously linked with Borussia Dortmund, but reports from Sky Germany indicate that the Bundesliga club has withdrawn from the race. This development could open a path for Liverpool if they decide to activate his reported €50m (£42.7m) release clause. While the prospect of acquiring both Mbaye and Barcola from PSG is appealing, the financial implications are substantial, with PSG expected to demand a combined fee exceeding £150m for the two young talents. Molina suggested that the finances involved in a deal for Mbaye might lead Liverpool to explore other unnamed targets as the transfer deadline approaches.

Liverpool faces competition for Mbaye, as Spanish outlet AS reported that Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, Porto, RB Leipzig, and Roma have all made enquiries this summer. PSG is reportedly open to selling Mbaye but will demand a transfer fee exceeding €50 million (£42.7m).

Source: goal.com