Liverpool may finally be close to completing the signing of Bradley Barcola, but the Reds’ work in the wide areas doesn’t appear to be finished.
And one name continues to stand out as a particularly intriguing option for the right wing: Ibrahim Mbaye.
The 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger has been on Liverpool’s radar for much of the summer, with the Reds looking for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool have explored the possibility of signing Mbaye, who predominantly operates from the right, although PSG’s valuation has made negotiations difficult.
PSG are demanding a huge fee
According to the latest reports provided by Wilson Cox LFC, PSG want at least €70m for Mbaye and could demand even more depending on negotiations.
That’s an enormous amount of money for an 18-year-old.
There’s no question that Mbaye has huge potential, but Liverpool would be taking a significant gamble if they paid that sort of fee for a player who is still at the beginning of his career.
And that appears to be the main stumbling block.
Liverpool clearly like the player.
They just don’t want to overpay.
Liverpool have reportedly agreed terms with Mbaye
The really interesting part of this story is the claim that Liverpool have verbally agreed a five-year contract with Mbaye, should the two clubs manage to reach an agreement over the transfer fee.
That would suggest the player’s side is open to the move.
It would also give Liverpool an advantage in negotiations.
If Mbaye has made it clear that he wants to join the Reds, Liverpool can concentrate on trying to convince PSG to lower their demands.
Of course, until the club officially confirms anything, these claims should be treated with caution.
Why Mbaye makes so much sense
There is a lot to like about Mbaye’s profile.
He’s naturally suited to the right wing.
He’s young.
He’s technically gifted.
And he has already gained valuable first-team and Champions League experience with PSG despite being only 18.
Liverpool aren’t simply looking for another short-term fix.
They need to start building the next generation of their attack.
Mbaye could potentially be part of that.
Liverpool need a long-term answer on the right
This is the biggest reason I can understand Liverpool’s interest.
Salah’s departure has left a massive hole.
Replacing everything Salah gave Liverpool was never going to be possible with one signing.
But Liverpool need to start building towards the future.
Barcola can help transform the attack.
But if Liverpool can also add a young right winger like Mbaye, they could potentially have another player developing alongside him.
That could be a very exciting combination.
Liverpool aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket
The Reds also continue to explore alternatives.
Yankuba Minteh has been considered, although Liverpool have now gone cold on the Brighton winger after unsuccessful negotiations.
Ismaila Sarr has also been linked, while other options have been explored as Liverpool search for another wide player.
That tells us something important.
Liverpool know they need another winger.
They simply haven’t decided which player represents the best value.
The 2027 plan
Perhaps the most interesting part of the latest update is that Liverpool are also reportedly keeping an eye on a star right winger for summer 2027.
That could explain why Mbaye is so attractive.
Liverpool don’t necessarily need to find their final long-term answer this summer.
They could sign an 18-year-old with enormous potential, allow him to develop and then potentially make a major investment in an established superstar next year.
That would give Iraola options rather than forcing Liverpool to spend huge money on the first available player.
My verdict
If PSG really want €70m or more, I wouldn’t want Liverpool to simply pay it because they like the player.
We’ve already seen the club spend huge money on Isak and Wirtz.
Barcola could also become another enormous investment.
At some point, Liverpool have to think about squad balance and value.
Mbaye could be an incredible player.
But €70m is a lot of money for an 18-year-old.
If Liverpool can negotiate that figure down, however, I would be very interested.
He could develop behind more experienced players, learn the demands of Premier League football and potentially become Liverpool’s long-term answer on the right.
Liverpool have reportedly already agreed the player’s side of the deal.
Now they need to convince PSG.
And if the price remains too high, the Reds have other options.
But don’t be surprised if Ibrahim Mbaye remains firmly on Liverpool’s radar.
Because while the club may be looking for a star right winger for 2027, Mbaye could be the exciting young player they bring in now.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
They don’t want to overpay on Mbaye but are willing to over pay on Sarr who won’t have any sell on value