There has been another potentially significant development in Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.
According to TEAMtalk, Luis Enrique has agreed with the PSG hierarchy that neither winger will play for the club while their respective futures remain unresolved.
And after seeing both players left out of PSG’s squad for their recent clash with Lens, this latest report certainly adds fuel to the speculation that their time in Paris could be coming to an end.
🔴 Liverpool want both players
Liverpool’s interest in the PSG pair is well established.
Barcola remains the headline target, with the French winger reportedly keen on a move to Anfield.
But Liverpool are also trying to bring in the highly-rated Mbaye, who has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Reds on a five-year contract.
The possibility of Liverpool signing both players would be an extraordinary statement.
Barcola could provide the immediate quality and experience, while Mbaye would represent a hugely exciting long-term investment.
👀 Why the PSG decision is so interesting
If the report is accurate, PSG are effectively saying:
Until you decide your future, you won’t be playing.
That isn’t necessarily proof that either player is definitely leaving.
But it does suggest the situation has reached a point where PSG don’t want uncertainty surrounding the squad.
Both players were already absent from the matchday squad against Lens, and Luis Enrique refused to clarify their futures afterwards.
That makes today’s report particularly interesting.
Could PSG be preparing for life without them?
There are certainly signs pointing that way.
PSG have strengthened their attacking options, including the reported arrivals of Ferran Torres and Mika Godts, while Barcola and Mbaye’s futures remain uncertain.
If PSG are comfortable allowing two players of their quality to leave, they will obviously want significant money in return.
And that’s where Liverpool face their biggest challenge.
The players may want Liverpool.
PSG may be willing to sell.
Now Liverpool and PSG need to agree the money.
Barcola is the big one
For me, Barcola remains the signing Liverpool supporters should be most excited about.
We’ve seen enough from him to know that he can make an immediate impact.
His pace, directness and ability to beat defenders would give Iraola another devastating attacking weapon.
Imagine Barcola on one side and Ngumoha on the other, with Wirtz operating behind Isak.
That is an attack capable of causing serious problems.
And Mbaye could be the future
Mbaye is a different proposition.
At 18, he isn’t necessarily being signed to immediately become a superstar.
Liverpool could develop him gradually and allow him to learn alongside some of the best attacking players in Europe.
If he fulfils his potential, the Reds could have another outstanding young winger on their hands.
And the fact that he reportedly wants Liverpool makes the situation even more intriguing.
The next two weeks could be huge
The transfer window is entering its decisive stage.
Liverpool clearly want attacking reinforcements.
PSG have two players who apparently aren’t currently being used while their futures are unresolved.
And Liverpool are reportedly negotiating for both.
Something has to give.
This could be the beginning of the end for Barcola and Mbaye at PSG.
And if Liverpool can agree the fees, we could soon be watching both of them walk through the doors at Anfield.
PSG have frozen them out.
Liverpool want them.
And the players reportedly want Liverpool.
Now we wait for the biggest piece of the puzzle:
the transfer fee.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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