Liverpool’s attacking rebuild could be about to get even more exciting.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are planning to sign two wingers this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye both on the club’s radar.
The Reds have already spoken with Jorge Mendes, Mbaye’s new agent, but PSG’s current asking price is considered too expensive.
And that could be the biggest obstacle standing in Liverpool’s way.
Liverpool’s plan is clear
The most interesting part of Romano’s report is that Liverpool’s plans for the winger position remain unchanged.
Barcola is a target.
And Liverpool want another winger as well.
That is significant because it shows Andoni Iraola isn’t simply looking to add one attacking player.
Liverpool appear to be planning a major overhaul of their wide options.
If Cody Gakpo were to leave for Tottenham and Liverpool brought in Barcola, there would reportedly still be room for another winger.
That is where Mbaye could potentially come into the picture.
Barcola remains the priority
Barcola has been heavily linked with Liverpool and would arguably be one of the most exciting attacking additions the Reds could make.
His pace, direct running and ability to beat defenders would give Iraola another devastating weapon.
Imagine Barcola receiving the ball with space in front of him and being encouraged to attack full-backs in an aggressive Liverpool system.
It could be frightening.
And with Florian Wirtz creating and Alexander Isak leading the line, Liverpool could have an incredibly exciting attacking core.
Then there is Ibrahim Mbaye
Mbaye is a completely different proposition.
The young PSG winger is regarded as a highly promising talent and has attracted interest from several clubs.
Liverpool have reportedly already spoken to his new agent, Jorge Mendes, which suggests the Reds are at least exploring the possibility of bringing him to Anfield.
But there is a problem.
PSG’s valuation.
According to Romano, PSG believe signing both Barcola and Mbaye could cost close to €200 million.
That would represent an enormous investment in two wingers.
Could Liverpool really spend €200m on two wingers?
That’s the question.
Liverpool have already demonstrated that they are prepared to spend heavily to improve the squad.
But €200m on two wide players would still be an extraordinary amount.
There would also be questions about how the squad would accommodate all the attacking talent.
Liverpool already have Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha, while Wirtz and Isak are expected to be key parts of Iraola’s attack.
If Barcola arrives, there would already be significant competition for places.
Add Mbaye as well and suddenly Iraola has an incredible amount of attacking talent to manage.
But imagine the possibilities
This is where Liverpool supporters can start getting excited.
Barcola.
Mbaye.
Wirtz.
Isak.
Gakpo.
Chiesa.
Ngumoha.
That is an enormous amount of pace, creativity and potential.
And Ngumoha could be particularly interesting.
The 17-year-old has already shown that he isn’t afraid to take defenders on, and another season working under Iraola could accelerate his development.
Mbaye would also represent another young attacking player who could potentially develop into a major star.
Gakpo’s future could be crucial
The report also highlights how important Cody Gakpo’s future could be.
If Gakpo leaves for Tottenham, Liverpool would suddenly have another space available in the attack.
That could make the idea of signing two wingers much easier to understand.
Liverpool wouldn’t necessarily be adding two players to an already crowded attack.
They could effectively be replacing one established attacker while adding two new options capable of developing into key players.
The €200m problem
For now, however, PSG’s valuation could prevent this from happening.
If the French champions really want close to €200m for Barcola and Mbaye combined, Liverpool will have to decide whether that represents good value.
Barcola is already an established top-level player.
Mbaye is a much younger prospect.
Putting enormous amounts of money into both deals would carry significant risk.
Liverpool will have to decide where their priorities lie.
Liverpool’s attack could be frightening
If Liverpool manage to sign both, though, the possibilities are incredible.
Imagine Iraola being able to choose from:
Barcola and Mbaye out wide.
Wirtz between the lines.
Isak through the middle.
And then having Gakpo, Chiesa and Ngumoha competing for opportunities.
That is the sort of attacking depth required if Liverpool want to compete for the Premier League and Champions League.
For now, though, Barcola appears to be the clearer target, while Mbaye’s situation remains uncertain.
Liverpool have spoken to his representatives.
PSG’s asking price is currently considered too high.
And PSG reportedly believe the two deals could be worth close to €200m.
But the message from Liverpool appears clear:
The Reds want two wingers this summer.
And if Barcola and Mbaye are the two players Liverpool eventually bring to Anfield, Iraola could have one of the most exciting attacks in European football.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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