Liverpool have begun to weigh the possibilities surrounding a move for 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 switch to Anfield, and the Reds see him as a prime candidate to reinforce their flanks this summer. The Senegalese international is among a short list of wide‑players that Liverpool are targeting as part of their priority to bolster the attacking edges of the squad. While the club’s scouting network also has its sights on Mbaye’s PSG teammate Bradley Barcola, no formal bids have been submitted for either youngster at this stage.
Liverpool’s interest in Mbaye is being pursued independently of any potential Barcola deal, meaning the two pursuits are not contingent upon one another. One scenario being discussed is that Liverpool could bring in Mbaye alongside a more seasoned wide‑man to give the teenager a mentor and to ensure depth across both wings. The financial side of the equation is complicated by PSG’s valuation of Barcola at roughly £145 million, a price tag that would be difficult for Liverpool to match in the current market.
By contrast, Mbaye’s market value is considerably lower, making him a more realistic acquisition for a club that wants to add youthful vigor without breaking the bank. According to the club’s transfer plan, the Reds intend to finish the window with five wingers on their books. This would include a blend of established professionals and a younger prospect who can be nurtured for the long term. The arrival of a player like Mbaye would satisfy the latter part of that equation, giving Liverpool a player with both immediate upside and a high ceiling for development.
New manager Andoni Iraola has repeatedly emphasized that width will be a cornerstone of his tactical philosophy. With the departure of Mohamed Salah at the conclusion of last season leaving a noticeable void on the right, the need for a natural right‑winger has become urgent.
While veteran Victor Munoz has already been signed this summer, the club’s hierarchy believes that adding a player with Mbaye’s skill set could provide the dynamism that Liverpool’s attack has been missing. Mbaye’s background is rooted in the PSG academy, where he progressed through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in August 2024 at just 16 years of age. He earned his first senior cap for Senegal 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 ever to score in the tournament – a goal that came when he was 18 years and 143 days old, albeit in a 3‑1 defeat to France. The excitement surrounding Mbaye is not unwarranted.
Positionally, he offers a more natural fit for Liverpool’s current needs than Barcola, whose style leans more toward a left‑wing or inverted forward role. Mbaye’s versatility is also noteworthy; although he primarily occupies the right flank, he has logged significant minutes on the left side in Champions League fixtures for PSG, demonstrating an ability to adapt to either wing. This two‑sided capability would give Iraola tactical flexibility, allowing him to switch formations without sacrificing quality on the flanks. Critics may point out that Mbaye is still in the early stages of his professional journey.
To date, his statistical output has been weighted toward dribbling success rates rather than goal contributions or assist tallies – a typical profile for a player still learning to translate raw talent into tangible results. Nevertheless, his technical attributes – close‑ball control, acceleration, and an eye for cutting inside – are already drawing comparisons to some of the Premier League’s most effective wide‑players. The broader context of the PSG squad also works in Liverpool’s favor. Paris appears set to prioritize the immediate impact of 24‑year‑old Maghnes Akliouche, a forward who is expected to join the first team soon.
This shift could push Mbaye further down the pecking order in France, creating a window of opportunity for Liverpool to secure a future star at a reasonable price. Acquiring Mbaye would not only address the right‑wing vacancy left by Salah but also provide a long‑term asset that could be developed into a cornerstone of the team’s attacking identity.
In summary, Liverpool’s exploratory talks about Ibrahim Mbaye represent a calculated gamble on youthful potential. The club aims to blend experience with emerging talent, ensuring depth on both wings while adhering to a realistic financial framework. Should the negotiations progress positively, Mbaye could become the next right‑winger to don the iconic red shirt, offering fans a fresh spark of excitement as the team rebuilds after the departure of one of its modern legends.