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 flank. Sources close to the club say the young Senegalese international has expressed a genuine desire to relocate to Anfield, where he could become a key figure in the Reds’ attacking set‑up. The interest in Mbaye comes as part of a broader strategy by Liverpool to reinforce their wide areas during this summer window. After the departure of long‑time talisman Mohamed Salah at the end of the previous season, the club has identified the right wing as a priority position that needs fresh talent.
In addition to Mbaye, Liverpool have also been monitoring his PSG teammate Bradley Barcola, although no formal bids have been lodged for either player as of yet. The club’s pursuit of Mbaye is said to be independent of any potential deal for Barcola, indicating that the Reds are prepared to secure multiple options on the wings. If the negotiations prove successful, Liverpool could end the transfer period with a squad featuring five wingers, one of whom would be a youthful prospect earmarked for development.
This aligns with the philosophy of the new manager, Andoni Iraola, who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of pace, width and creativity from his wide men. Iraola’s tactical blueprint relies heavily on dynamic wing play, and Mbaye’s skill set appears to fit that model perfectly.
Mbaye’s background is noteworthy. He rose through the PSG academy and made his first‑team debut in August 2024 at just 16 years old, becoming one of the youngest players to feature for the French giants.
Although he was born in France and represented the country at youth level, he switched allegiance to Senegal and earned his senior debut in November 2025. His international résumé includes a historic moment at the 2026 World Cup, where he became the youngest African scorer in the tournament’s history, finding the net at 18 years and 143 days in a 3‑1 defeat to the host nation. On the pitch, Mbaye is primarily deployed as a right winger, a position that Liverpool have been desperate to fill following Salah’s exit.
He also possesses the ability to operate on the left, having logged minutes in that role for PSG during Champions League fixtures. This ambidextrous capability provides a valuable tactical flexibility for any manager, allowing for fluid formation changes without sacrificing quality on the flanks. Statistically, Mbaye’s early career has been defined more by his dribbling prowess than by goal contributions.
In his limited appearances, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to take on defenders, maintain close ball control at high speed, and create space for teammates. While his goal and assist tallies are modest—a natural consequence of his youth and limited playing time—his underlying metrics such as successful dribbles per 90 minutes and progressive runs rank highly among peers in his age group. The potential signing also presents a strategic advantage for Liverpool in the transfer market.
PSG appear to be focusing on immediate reinforcement by targeting 24‑year‑old Maghnes Akliouche, which could push Mbaye further down the pecking order in Paris. This scenario opens a window for Liverpool to acquire a player who not only possesses considerable upside but also fits the club’s long‑term vision of building a squad around youthful exuberance and technical skill. From a financial perspective, the deal could be more manageable than a direct pursuit of Barcola, whose valuation has reportedly risen to around £145 million—a figure that would strain Liverpool’s budget. By targeting Mbaye, the Reds might secure a high‑potential asset at a comparatively lower cost, allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of the squad, such as central midfield or defensive depth.
Fans and pundits alike have expressed optimism that Mbaye could fill the void left by Salah. His versatility, combined with his experience on both wings in high‑pressure European matches, suggests he could adapt quickly to the Premier League’s physical demands. Moreover, his international exposure with Senegal, especially his record‑breaking World Cup goal, indicates a temperament capable of handling big‑stage moments.
However, there are cautions to consider. At 18, Mbaye is still in the early stages of his professional development, and his consistency over a full season remains untested.
While his dribbling numbers are impressive, his contribution to final third outcomes—goals, assists, key passes—needs to mature. Liverpool’s coaching staff will likely focus on refining his decision‑making in the final third, improving his end product, and integrating him into a system that maximises his strengths while mitigating his relative inexperience.
In summary, Liverpool’s exploration of a deal for Ibrahim Mbaye reflects a calculated approach to rebuilding the attacking wing after Salah’s departure. The club aims to secure a young, adaptable winger who can grow into a cornerstone of Iraola’s tactical plan, while also offering a cost‑effective alternative to more expensive targets like Barcola. Should the transfer materialise, Mbaye could become a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s quest to re‑establish themselves among Europe’s elite, bringing fresh energy, pace, and a touch of historic flair to the storied Anfield stadium.