Transfer market: Liverpool target Barcola and Mbaye, two PSG files to reshape the Reds' attack

Liverpool are not only looking at Bradley Barcola. According to several corroborating sources, the Reds are also working on the case of Ibrahim Mbaye, Paris Saint-Germain's Senegalese gem. A dual approach that reveals the English club's ambition to rebuild their attacking department.

Two PSG players, two profiles, one shared ambition

For several weeks, Bradley Barcola has been at the top of Liverpool's attacking priorities. The French international impresses with his ability to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. But negotiations look set to be complex: PSG value their winger at around £145 million (close to €170M), a figure Liverpool currently consider too high. Talks have not broken down, but the two clubs remain far apart on their valuation of the player.

In this context, the English club's hierarchy are simultaneously pushing forward on another PSG file: Ibrahim Mbaye. It should not be seen as a simple Plan B, however — the two operations follow distinct rationales.

Ibrahim Mbaye, an investment for the future

At just 18 years old, Ibrahim Mbaye is regarded as one of the greatest prospects in African football. Quick, incisive and capable of playing in several attacking positions, the Senegalese international has attracted the desire of many major European clubs.

Liverpool have added themselves to an already extensive list, which includes notably:

• Bayer Leverkusen
• Chelsea
• Manchester City
• Tottenham
• Borussia Dortmund

According to several media outlets, the player would look favourably upon an experience in the Premier League. PSG, for their part, would not entirely close the door on a departure if a sufficiently attractive offer were to materialise — the Parisian club are said to be demanding more than €50 million to open discussions.

Why Liverpool are pursuing both files

The profiles of Barcola and Mbaye are complementary. The former represents an already established player, capable of immediately becoming one of the Reds' attacking leaders. The latter fits into the policy Liverpool have applied for several seasons: investing early in players with very high potential before their value rockets.

In other words, Liverpool are not necessarily looking to choose between the two. Should economic conditions allow, the club could very well pursue both files simultaneously.

PSG holds the cards

The situation differs depending on the profile, however. On the Barcola file, the main sticking point remains financial: PSG, convinced they possess one of Europe's finest wingers, are holding firm on their price. Liverpool continue to talk, but are for now refusing to match that valuation.

For Ibrahim Mbaye, the landscape is more open. Competition is fierce in PSG's attacking department, and a departure could be considered if an offer meets the French champions' expectations.

The FootReporter analysis

Liverpool's interest in Ibrahim Mbaye goes beyond a simple transfer rumour. It confirms that the young Senegalese is now perceived as one of the most promising talents of his generation.

When a club of Liverpool's stature is simultaneously working on Bradley Barcola, one of Ligue 1's attacking benchmarks, and on Ibrahim Mbaye, it is because the Reds see in the latter sufficient potential to perform, in the medium term, at the very highest European level.

Whether the transfer materialises this summer or not, one thing is clear: Ibrahim Mbaye is no longer merely a promising product of PSG's academy. His name is now circulating on the desks of the continent's biggest clubs.