Liverpool have begun to evaluate 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 the void left by the departure of club icon Mohamed Salah. The Senegalese international is among several players Liverpool are targeting to bolster their wide‑area options, a priority for the club this summer.
While the Reds have also expressed a strong interest in Mbaye’s PSG teammate Bradley Barcola, they have not yet submitted a formal bid for either youngster. The pursuit of Mbaye is being handled as a separate negotiation, independent of any potential Barcola deal. Given the current market dynamics, it is conceivable that Liverpool might secure Mbaye alongside a more seasoned wide‑player to balance youthful potential with immediate impact. PSG’s asking price of roughly £145 million for Barcola makes that particular transaction challenging, which could push Liverpool to focus more heavily on the less expensive, high‑upside prospect of Mbaye.
Club officials have indicated that they intend to finish the transfer window with a squad of five wingers, one of whom will be a younger talent earmarked for development. This strategic approach aligns with the vision of new manager Andoni Iraola, who has highlighted the importance of dynamic wide‑men in his tactical philosophy and therefore placed a premium on strengthening that area during his inaugural transfer window at Merseyside. According to Sky Sports analyst Dev Trehan, Mbaye’s primary position on the right wing makes him a particularly attractive candidate for Liverpool, especially after Salah’s exit at the close of the previous season.
The club has already secured Victor Munoz this summer, and their scouting network continues to monitor Mbaye closely, alongside Barcola. Mbaye is a product of PSG’s renowned youth academy and made his senior debut in August 2024 at just 16 years of age. Although he initially represented France at youth level, he switched allegiance to Senegal and earned his first senior cap in November 2025.
His rapid rise continued at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he became the youngest African ever to score in the tournament, finding the net at 18 years and 143 days old during Senegal’s 3‑1 defeat to the host nation, France. The buzz surrounding Ibrahim Mbaye is understandable. Positionally, he offers a more natural fit for Liverpool’s current needs than even Barcola, potentially serving as the long‑term solution on the right flank.
In addition to his right‑wing duties, Mbaye has accumulated valuable minutes on the left side for PSG in the UEFA Champions League, demonstrating a level of versatility that could prove invaluable for a side looking to rotate its attacking options. While the loss of Salah leaves a noticeable gap in Liverpool’s offensive firepower, Mbaye’s skill set—particularly his pace, dribbling ability, and willingness to take on defenders—suggests he could develop into a suitable replacement over time.
At present, his statistical output leans heavily toward successful dribbles rather than goals or assists, which is typical for a player still in the early stages of his professional journey. One concern for Liverpool’s hierarchy is the relative inexperience of the teenager. He has only a handful of senior appearances, and his decision‑making in the final third is still maturing. However, the competitive environment at PSG is beginning to shift, with the French club reportedly preparing to bring in 24‑year‑old Maghnes Akliouche.
This incoming talent could limit Mbaye’s opportunities in Paris, thereby creating a timely opening for Liverpool to secure a future star at a reasonable price. If Liverpool move forward with the deal, they would likely negotiate a structured contract that balances immediate playing time with long‑term development, possibly including loan clauses to ensure regular first‑team action.
The club’s track record of nurturing young talent—such as the progression of Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Curtis Jones—suggests they have the infrastructure to help Mbaye transition smoothly from a promising adolescent to a key contributor in the Premier League. Beyond the tactical considerations, Mbaye’s marketability could also benefit Liverpool.
As a young African international who has already made history on the world stage, he possesses a global appeal that aligns with the club’s brand expansion goals, particularly in African markets where fan engagement is rapidly growing. In summary, Liverpool’s interest in Ibrahim Mbaye reflects a strategic blend of immediate squad reinforcement and long‑term planning.
By potentially adding a versatile, right‑wing specialist who already has a taste of senior football and international experience, the Reds aim to address the creative void left by Salah while also investing in a player who could become a cornerstone of their attack for years to come. The club’s next steps will involve detailed negotiations with PSG, assessment of the player’s valuation, and possibly arranging a loan spell to guarantee Mbaye the minutes he needs to continue his development.
If all goes well, Anfield could soon welcome a new generation of talent ready to write the next chapter in Liverpool’s storied history.