Liverpool’s pursuit of Ibrahim Mbaye has hit a major stumbling block.
According to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, PSG are demanding €70m for the 18-year-old Senegalese attacker this summer.
Even if that figure is only an opening position for negotiations, it is already putting interested clubs off, with Mbaye reportedly valued at closer to €50m by potential suitors. (Foot Africa)
And Liverpool don’t want to go as high as PSG’s current asking price.
Liverpool have already agreed personal terms
This is what makes the situation particularly frustrating for Liverpool.
The Reds have reportedly already reached an agreement with Mbaye over the terms of a potential five-year contract.
So from Liverpool’s perspective, the player appears to be keen on the move.
The problem isn’t Mbaye.
It’s PSG.
The two clubs now have to find a valuation that works for everyone.
£70m is a huge price
There’s no doubt Mbaye is a hugely exciting prospect.
But €70m is a massive amount of money for an 18-year-old who has only made a limited number of senior appearances.
Mbaye made 24 Ligue 1 appearances last season, but only 10 were starts.
That doesn’t mean he isn’t worth serious money.
It simply means Liverpool have to consider the risk involved.
There is a huge difference between paying €50m for potential and committing €70m.
Liverpool value him closer to €50m
That reported difference in valuation is the heart of the negotiations.
PSG: €70m.
Interested clubs: around €50m.
That’s potentially a €20m gap before negotiations have even really got going.
And Liverpool have already shown this summer that they aren’t prepared to simply pay whatever another club demands.
We’ve seen it with Bradley Barcola.
We’ve seen it with Yankuba Minteh.
And now we’re seeing the same thing with Mbaye.
Liverpool clearly believe there is a price they are willing to pay — and a price they aren’t.
Why PSG are asking so much
You can understand PSG’s position to a degree.
Mbaye is only 18 and is regarded as one of the most exciting young attackers in European football.
PSG don’t need to sell him.
And when Premier League clubs come calling, they know there is enormous spending power available.
That’s why they’re able to put a €70m valuation on him.
But PSG’s own squad situation could eventually work in Liverpool’s favour.
The club have added attacking players this summer, including Mika Godts and Ferran Torres, while both Mbaye and Barcola are reportedly set to remain out of PSG matchday involvement while their futures are resolved. (FourFourTwo)
Liverpool shouldn’t panic
This is where I think Liverpool have to remain disciplined.
Yes, they need attacking reinforcements.
Yes, Mbaye is an exciting talent.
Yes, personal terms are reportedly already agreed.
But that doesn’t mean Liverpool should suddenly throw €70m at PSG.
If they believe Mbaye is worth around €50m, they should stick to their valuation.
Perhaps they can negotiate a deal worth €50m guaranteed with significant add-ons.
That could give PSG the opportunity to reach their desired figure while protecting Liverpool from paying the full amount immediately.
And what about Barcola?
The Mbaye situation is also closely connected to Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool want both players, according to the reports surrounding the transfer saga, but the financial demands involved make a double deal extremely difficult.
Interestingly, both players are currently in a similar position at PSG.
Neither is expected to feature while their respective futures remain unresolved.
That could potentially increase the pressure on PSG to find solutions.
Liverpool have a decision to make
I really like Mbaye.
At 18, his potential is enormous, and Liverpool clearly see something special in him.
But €70m is too much if Liverpool genuinely value him closer to €50m.
The Reds have already demonstrated that they are willing to spend huge sums when they believe a player is worth it.
They shouldn’t abandon that discipline simply because the transfer window is closing.
The player wants Liverpool.
Liverpool want the player.
PSG want €70m.
Now the clubs have to find the middle ground.
And if PSG refuse to lower their demands, Liverpool may have to walk away — even if that means missing out on one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers.
This transfer is far from dead.
But Liverpool have made their position clear:
They won’t overpay.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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