Liverpool could be about to make their move for one of the most exciting young wingers in European football.
According to reports from France, the Reds are preparing an offer for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye, with L’Équipe journalist Loïc Tanzi reporting that Liverpool are expected to submit their first bid in the coming days.
That would represent a significant development in Liverpool’s pursuit of the 18-year-old.
Liverpool ready to make their move
Liverpool have been among the clubs showing the strongest interest in Mbaye, but until now there has been no official bid.
That could be about to change.
Tanzi reports that Liverpool have made advances in recent hours and are currently one of the most active clubs in the race for the Senegal international.
Now the Reds appear ready to put their interest into action with a formal proposal.
And considering PSG’s increasingly crowded attacking department, the timing could be perfect.
Who is Ibrahim Mbaye?
Mbaye is an incredibly exciting prospect.
Still only 18, he has already made senior appearances for PSG and has represented Senegal at international level.
He’s predominantly a right winger and possesses the qualities you’d expect from a modern attacking player — pace, direct running, dribbling ability and a willingness to take defenders on.
He is still developing and certainly isn’t the finished article, but that’s precisely what makes him such an intriguing potential signing.
Liverpool wouldn’t just be buying a player for the present.
They would be investing in his future.
Another PSG winger?
Liverpool’s interest in Mbaye also makes the current situation at PSG fascinating.
The Reds are already pushing hard to sign Bradley Barcola, while PSG are simultaneously strengthening their own attacking options.
With the French champions reportedly agreeing a €55m deal for Ajax winger Mika Godts, the door could potentially be opening for some of PSG’s existing forwards to leave.
Could Liverpool ultimately sign both Barcola and Mbaye?
It’s certainly an exciting possibility.
Liverpool’s attack could be frightening
Imagine the options available to Andoni Iraola if Liverpool somehow managed to bring both players to Anfield.
Bradley Barcola.
Ibrahim Mbaye.
Florian Wirtz.
Alexander Isak.
Cody Gakpo.
Federico Chiesa.
Rio Ngumoha.
That would give Iraola an extraordinary amount of pace, creativity and versatility.
And Mbaye could be viewed as one for the future while still contributing when opportunities arise.
But PSG won’t make it easy
One major obstacle remains the price.
Reports have previously indicated that PSG value Mbaye at more than €50m, while PSG sources have denied suggestions that he could be available for as little as €40m.
So Liverpool are likely to face some serious negotiations if they submit an offer.
The Reds will have to decide how much they are prepared to invest in an 18-year-old who still has plenty of development ahead of him.
Could Mbaye be Liverpool’s next superstar?
That’s the gamble.
Liverpool have a long history of identifying exciting young talent and developing them into first-team stars.
Mbaye certainly has the raw ingredients.
At just 18, he’s already playing senior football and has earned international recognition with Senegal.
Now Liverpool appear ready to test PSG’s resolve.
The next few days could be fascinating
For weeks we’ve been hearing about Liverpool’s interest.
Now there could finally be something concrete.
Liverpool are preparing a bid.
Mbaye is reportedly high on their list.
And PSG may have a decision to make.
If the Reds can reach an agreement, Liverpool could potentially be adding another hugely exciting young attacker to Iraola’s squad.
And with the possibility of Barcola also arriving, Liverpool’s attacking rebuild could be about to become even more spectacular.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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