Liverpool have begun to examine the possible terms of a transfer for Paris Saint‑Germain’s teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18‑year‑old who primarily operates on the right side of the attack. Reports suggest the young Senegalese international is keen on a move to Anfield, and the Reds see him as a valuable addition to a squad that is actively seeking to reinforce its wide‑area options this summer. The club’s scouting network has identified Mbaye as one of several targets aimed at bolstering the flanks, a priority that has taken on added urgency following the departure of long‑time talisman Mohamed Salah at the close of last season. While Liverpool have also expressed strong interest in Mbaye’s PSG teammate Bradley Barcola, they have not yet submitted a formal bid for either player.
The pursuit of Mbaye is being handled independently of any negotiations surrounding Barcola, and the two deals are being considered on their own merits. One scenario being discussed is the acquisition of Mbaye alongside a more seasoned winger, providing a blend of youthful potential and immediate experience. However, PSG’s asking price for Barcola – reportedly around £145 million – makes that particular deal a challenging proposition for the English club at present. Consequently, Liverpool appear to be focusing on a strategy that could see them finish the transfer window with five wingers on their books, one of whom would be a younger prospect earmarked for development.
The new Liverpool manager, Andoni Iraola, has placed a premium on wide players as a cornerstone of his tactical philosophy, which explains why the club’s first‑window activity is heavily weighted toward the flanks. According to Sky Sports analyst Dev Trehan, the right wing is a position Liverpool have been eager to strengthen, especially after Salah’s exit left a noticeable void.
In addition to Mbaye, the club has already secured Victor Munoz this summer, further underscoring their commitment to expanding options on the right. Mbaye’s background is rooted in PSG’s renowned academy system. He made his senior debut for the French giants in August 2024 at just 16 years old, showcasing early promise that has attracted attention across Europe. Internationally, the player switched allegiance to Senegal, earning his first senior cap in November 2025 after previously representing France at various youth levels.
His rapid rise continued at the 2026 World Cup, where he made history by becoming the youngest African scorer in the tournament’s history – netting a goal at 18 years and 143 days in a 3‑1 defeat to France. The excitement surrounding Mbaye stems from his natural fit for Liverpool’s current needs.
Unlike Barcola, whose style may require more adaptation, Mbaye’s preferred position aligns directly with the right‑wing role that the Reds are looking to fill. Moreover, his experience on the left flank during PSG’s Champions League campaigns demonstrates a degree of versatility that could prove valuable under Iraola’s system, which often demands wingers to interchange and cover multiple zones. Despite his evident talent, there are legitimate concerns about his relative inexperience.
At this early stage of his professional career, Mbaye’s statistical profile is weighted heavily toward dribbling metrics rather than goal contributions or assist numbers – a typical pattern for a player still finding his footing in senior football. Nevertheless, his technical ability, pace, and willingness to take on defenders have already drawn praise from pundits and coaches alike.
The transfer market dynamics in Paris add another layer to the situation. PSG appear to be focusing on immediate reinforcement by targeting 24‑year‑old Maghnes Akliouche, which could push Mbaye further down the club’s priority list.
This shift may present Liverpool with a timely opportunity to negotiate a deal for the young Senegalese star before his market value escalates. If Liverpool succeed in securing Mbaye, the club would not only address a pressing tactical need but also acquire a player with considerable resale potential. The teenager’s age, combined with his exposure on the world stage, suggests that he could develop into a high‑profile asset for Anfield, potentially mirroring the trajectory of other young wingers who have flourished under the guidance of top‑level coaching. In summary, Liverpool’s interest in Ibrahim Mbaye reflects a strategic approach to rebuilding the wide‑area roster after the loss of Salah.
The club is weighing the benefits of adding a youthful, adaptable winger who can grow within the squad against the challenges of negotiating a transfer from a club that values its academy products highly. While no formal offer has been made yet, the ongoing discussions indicate that Mbaye could become a central figure in Liverpool’s plans for the upcoming season, offering both immediate depth and long‑term upside for the Merseyside side.