Liverpool have begun to examine the parameters of a possible acquisition involving Paris Saint‑Germain’s teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. The 18‑year‑old, who mainly operates on the right side of the attack, is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield, where he could fill a gap left by the departure of club legend Mohamed Salah.
The Senegalese international is one of several players Liverpool are targeting to bolster their wide‑area options, a priority for the Reds in this summer’s transfer window. Alongside Mbaye, Liverpool have also expressed strong interest in his PSG teammate Bradley Barcola, although no formal bids have yet been submitted for either youngster. The club has stressed that its pursuit of Mbaye is independent of any negotiations concerning Barcola. If the Reds are able to secure Mbaye, they may also look to bring in a more seasoned wide‑player to complement the teenager’s raw talent.
However, PSG’s hefty £145 million price tag on Barcola makes that particular deal a challenging proposition at present. According to the club’s transfer strategy, Liverpool aim to finish the window with five wingers in the squad, one of whom will be a youthful prospect earmarked for development. This aligns with the philosophy of new manager Andoni Iraola, who has highlighted the importance of pace and width in his tactical blueprint, making the recruitment of wingers a central focus of his inaugural campaign on Merseyside. Sky Sports’ transfer analyst Dev Trehan notes that Mbaye’s primary position on the right wing fits neatly into Liverpool’s needs after Salah’s exit.
The club has already secured Victor Munoz this summer, but they are still keen on adding another dynamic option on the flanks. Mbaye is a product of the PSG academy and made his senior debut in August 2024 at just 16 years old. He earned his first senior cap for Senegal in November 2025 after previously representing France at various youth levels. The teenager etched his name into the record books at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the youngest African ever to score in the tournament at 18 years and 143 days, although Senegal ultimately fell 3‑1 to France.
The buzz surrounding Ibrahim Mbaye is understandable. Positionally, he appears to be a more natural fit for Liverpool’s current requirements than even Barcola, offering the potential to become the long‑awaited right‑wing replacement.
In addition to his preferred right‑side role, Mbaye has also featured on the left flank for PSG in Champions League fixtures, demonstrating a degree of versatility that could prove valuable for Jurgen Klopp’s successors. Nevertheless, there are legitimate concerns about signing a player so early in his professional journey.
To date, Mbaye’s most impressive statistical contributions have been his dribbling numbers rather than goals or assists, a typical pattern for a youngster still finding his footing at the highest level. His developmental trajectory will likely depend on regular playing time and mentorship from experienced teammates.
Complicating matters for PSG is the club’s apparent focus on immediate success, highlighted by their pursuit of 24‑year‑old Maghnes Akliouche. This could push Mbaye further down the pecking order in Paris, creating an opening for Liverpool to intervene and secure a future star at a potentially reduced fee. If Liverpool succeed in signing Mbaye, they would not only acquire a promising talent but also send a clear signal of intent to invest in youth and rebuild after a period of transition.
The club’s broader plan appears to involve a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging prospects, ensuring depth across the attacking third while nurturing the next generation of Anfield heroes. In summary, Liverpool’s interest in Ibrahim Mbaye reflects a strategic effort to address the void left by Salah, add youthful exuberance to the wing positions, and lay the groundwork for sustained success. While the financial and competitive landscape presents challenges, the potential upside of securing a player who has already demonstrated world‑stage pedigree at a remarkably young age could prove decisive for the Reds’ long‑term ambitions.