Liverpool have begun to examine the terms of a possible acquisition for Paris Saint‑Germain’s teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. The 18‑year‑old, who primarily operates on the right side of the attack, is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield. Mbaye, a Senegalese international, is among several players Liverpool are scouting to bolster their wide‑area options, a clear priority for the club in this summer’s transfer window.
In addition to Mbaye, Liverpool have also shown a strong interest in his PSG teammate Bradley Barcola, although no formal bids have been submitted for either prospect. The club has stressed that its pursuit of Mbaye is independent of any negotiations involving Barcola. Given PSG’s hefty £145 million price tag on Barcola, securing both players could prove challenging, but Liverpool appear prepared to sign Mbaye alongside a more seasoned winger to add depth and experience to the squad. According to the club’s transfer strategy, the Reds aim to finish the window with five wingers on their books, one of whom would be a younger talent earmarked for development.
This aligns with the vision of new manager Andoni Iraola, who has identified wide players as a cornerstone of his tactical philosophy. Strengthening the flanks is especially urgent after the departure of club legend Mohamed Salah at the close of last season, which left a noticeable void on the right wing. Sky Sports analyst Dev Trehan highlighted that Mbaye, despite his youth, offers a natural fit for Liverpool’s current needs. The teenager rose through 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 youth level. Mbaye’s most memorable moment came at the 2026 World Cup, where he became the youngest African ever to score in the tournament, finding the net at 18 years and 143 days during Senegal’s 3‑1 defeat to the host nation, France.
Mbaye’s versatility is another asset. While his primary position is the right wing, he has also featured on the left flank for PSG in the Champions League, demonstrating the ability to adapt to either side of the pitch. This two‑sided capability could prove invaluable for Liverpool, offering manager Iraola tactical flexibility and covering for injuries or rotation demands.
Statistically, Mbaye’s early career has been defined by his dribbling prowess rather than prolific goal‑scoring or assist numbers, a common pattern for players still finding their footing at the senior level. Nonetheless, his technical skill set, pace, and ability to beat defenders in one‑on‑one situations have drawn attention from several top clubs.
PSG’s recent focus on acquiring 24‑year‑old Maghnes Akliouche suggests the French side may be willing to let a younger prospect go, creating a window of opportunity for Liverpool to secure a future star. The potential signing of Mbaye also fits into Liverpool’s broader recruitment plan, which includes the recent arrival of Victor Munoz, another young winger who joined the club earlier this summer. By adding Mbaye, Liverpool would not only replace the creative output lost with Salah’s exit but also invest in a player who could develop into a long‑term asset for the club.
The combination of a youthful prospect and a more experienced winger would give the Reds a balanced attacking unit capable of delivering width, pace, and crossing ability. Critics may point out that Mbaye’s limited senior experience could be a risk, especially in a highly competitive Premier League environment. However, his performances on the international stage and in European competition indicate a maturity beyond his years. Moreover, Liverpool’s track record of nurturing young talent—evident in the development of players like Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Curtis Jones—suggests the club is well equipped to guide Mbaye’s progression.
If the deal materialises, Liverpool would need to negotiate a transfer fee acceptable to PSG while also arranging personal terms that satisfy the teenager and his representatives. Given the market’s inflation and PSG’s valuation of Barcola, Liverpool may need to structure a creative package, potentially involving add‑ons based on appearances, goals, or future sell‑on percentages. In summary, Ibrahim Mbaye represents a compelling option for Liverpool’s right‑wing vacancy. His age, international experience, positional versatility, and proven ability to perform on big stages make him a strong candidate to fill the creative gap left by Salah.
While the club continues to monitor Barcola, the focus on Mbaye appears to be a strategic move aimed at securing both immediate impact and long‑term potential. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether Liverpool can finalize an agreement that satisfies all parties and adds another promising talent to Anfield’s growing roster of emerging stars.