The speculation surrounding Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola continues to grow, and there was another interesting development last night as Paris Saint-Germain faced Aston Villa.
Both players were named among PSG’s substitutes but neither was used, meaning they watched the entire match from the bench.
For Liverpool supporters, it is certainly something worth keeping an eye on.
Both players remain on Liverpool’s radar
Liverpool have reportedly been exploring the possibility of signing both Barcola and Mbaye, with Fabrizio Romano recently reporting that the Reds’ plan remains to sign two wingers this summer.
Barcola is understood to be a clear target, while Liverpool have also spoken with Mbaye’s representatives.
The major stumbling block is PSG’s valuation.
The French champions reportedly believe that signing both players could cost close to €200 million, making it an enormous potential investment for Liverpool.
Why their lack of minutes is interesting
It would be wrong to suggest that being unused substitutes automatically means either player is leaving PSG.
There can be plenty of reasons why a manager decides not to use a player.
However, when players are being heavily linked with moves away, every development inevitably attracts attention.
And seeing both Barcola and Mbaye remain on the bench for the entire game will certainly fuel further speculation.
Especially when Liverpool are reportedly looking to strengthen their wide areas.
Barcola would be an incredible addition
Of the two, Barcola is the more established player and arguably the one Liverpool supporters are most excited about.
His explosive pace and ability to beat defenders would give Andoni Iraola another devastating attacking weapon.
Liverpool are expected to play with aggression and intensity under their new manager.
Barcola would seem tailor-made for that approach.
Give him space and he can attack defenders at frightening speed.
Put him one-on-one against a full-back and he has the ability to create something from nothing.
Mbaye represents the future
Mbaye is a different proposition.
Still incredibly young, he represents a potential long-term investment.
Liverpool’s interest would suggest the club aren’t simply looking for players who can contribute immediately.
They are also looking at players who could develop into stars over the next few years.
And that fits perfectly with the direction of Iraola’s Liverpool.
The Reds could potentially have Mbaye developing alongside Rio Ngumoha, another hugely exciting young attacking player.
Imagine Liverpool’s attack
This is where things become really exciting.
If Liverpool somehow managed to sign both players, Iraola could potentially have:
Bradley Barcola
Ibrahim Mbaye
Florian Wirtz
Alexander Isak
Cody Gakpo
Federico Chiesa
Rio Ngumoha
That is an incredible collection of attacking talent.
Barcola could provide explosive pace.
Mbaye could develop into a star.
Wirtz could create.
Isak could finish.
And Ngumoha could continue developing into one of the most exciting young players at Anfield.
But PSG hold the cards
The biggest obstacle remains PSG.
Liverpool reportedly want two wingers, but the French club’s valuation could make completing both deals extremely difficult.
If PSG really want close to €200m for Barcola and Mbaye, Liverpool would have to decide whether they are prepared to make that sort of investment.
And there is still no guarantee that either player will leave Paris this summer.
Could both end up at Anfield?
For now, Liverpool supporters can only watch and wait.
Barcola and Mbaye being unused substitutes doesn’t prove that either player is on their way out of PSG.
But with Liverpool reportedly interested in both, their situation is certainly worth monitoring.
Two PSG wingers.
Both reportedly wanted by Liverpool.
Both left unused against Aston Villa.
The speculation isn’t going away.
And if Liverpool really are serious about signing Barcola and Mbaye, the next few weeks could be fascinating.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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