Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye has taken another interesting turn after the two Paris Saint-Germain wingers were left out of Luis Enrique’s squad to face Lens.
The pair were reportedly seen sitting together during PSG’s clash with Lens, but neither player was named among the substitutes. That is particularly notable given the continued speculation surrounding their futures and Liverpool’s interest in both players.
Neither player makes the bench
Barcola and Mbaye had both been named on PSG’s bench for the UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa earlier in the week, although neither was introduced during PSG’s 2-1 victory.
This time, however, they didn’t even make the matchday squad.
That naturally raises questions about their immediate futures in Paris.
PSG have been adding attacking options this summer, including Ferran Torres and Maghnes Akliouche, while they are also reportedly closing in on Ajax winger Mika Godts.
That increased competition could potentially open the door for departures.
Liverpool will be watching closely
Liverpool have been strongly linked with Barcola throughout the summer, while Mbaye has also emerged as a potential target.
Barcola is believed to be the more established target, with reports suggesting Liverpool have been working towards a deal for the French international.
Mbaye, meanwhile, represents a completely different type of opportunity — an exceptionally young attacker with enormous potential.
The possibility of signing both would obviously be extremely exciting for Liverpool supporters.
The timing is interesting
It would be wrong to claim that being left out of one PSG squad means either player is definitely leaving.
There could be fitness, tactical or other reasons behind Enrique’s decision.
But when you combine their omission with everything else happening at PSG, it becomes difficult not to take notice.
Both players were unused substitutes against Aston Villa.
Now neither is even on the bench against Lens.
And Liverpool remain interested.
That’s certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Could this be good news for Liverpool?
PSG have made it clear that they want players who are fully committed to their project.
Luis Enrique recently said that if a player doesn’t want to be at PSG or isn’t happy there, “it is better to find another solution.”
That doesn’t specifically refer to Barcola or Mbaye, but the comments are certainly interesting given the current situation.
Liverpool supporters will therefore be hoping that PSG’s growing collection of attacking options eventually makes the French champions more willing to negotiate.
Two players. One potential Liverpool destination?
Imagine adding Barcola and Mbaye to an attack already containing Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo, Chiesa and Ngumoha.
The pace, creativity and unpredictability would be frightening.
For now, though, Liverpool supporters have to wait.
Barcola and Mbaye were together watching from the sidelines against Lens.
Neither made the bench.
And with the transfer window approaching its final stages, their futures could become one of the biggest stories to watch.
Could the next time we see them be in red?
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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