Liverpool have begun to examine the parameters of a possible transfer for Paris Saint‑Germain’s teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye. The 18‑year‑old, who mainly operates on the right side of the attack, is reported to be keen on a move to Anfield, where he could replace the departing club legend Mohamed Salah. The Senegal international is among several names that Liverpool are targeting to bolster their wide‑forward options, a clear priority for the Reds in this summer’s window. In addition to Mbaye, the club has also shown strong interest in his PSG teammate Bradley Barcola, although no formal bids have yet been submitted for either player.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Mbaye is said to be completely independent of any negotiations surrounding Barcola. One scenario being considered by the Anfield hierarchy is the acquisition of Mbaye alongside a more seasoned wide‑player, thereby creating a blend of youthful exuberance and experience. The current valuation placed by PSG on Barcola – roughly £145 million – makes that particular deal a challenging proposition, which is why the Reds are also looking at alternative options. According to the club’s transfer strategy, Liverpool aim to finish the window with a squad of five wingers, one of whom will be a younger prospect earmarked for development.
This aligns with the philosophy of new manager Andoni Iraola, who has emphasized the importance of wide men in his tactical blueprint and has therefore placed significant emphasis on that area of the roster during his inaugural transfer period on Merseyside. Sky Sports’ correspondent Dev Trehan highlighted that Mbaye, despite his tender age, primarily features on the right flank – a position Liverpool have been eager to reinforce after Salah’s departure at the conclusion of last season. The club has already secured Victor Munoz on loan this summer, and the interest in Mbaye reflects a broader desire to add depth and variety to the right‑wing role.
Mbaye is a product of PSG’s famed 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 youngster etched his name into African football history at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the youngest African 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 immediate needs than Barcola, offering a potential solution to the void left by Salah. In addition to his right‑wing duties, Mbaye has also featured on the left side for PSG in Champions League fixtures, demonstrating a degree of versatility that could prove valuable for Jurgen Klopp’s successors. While the prospect is exciting, there are legitimate concerns about his relative inexperience. To date, Mbaye’s statistical profile leans heavily toward dribbling metrics rather than goal‑scoring or assist numbers – a typical pattern for a player in the early stages of his professional journey.
Nevertheless, his technical abilities, pace, and ability to take on defenders have drawn attention from several top European clubs. PSG appears to be focusing on short‑term reinforcement by targeting 24‑year‑old Maghnes Akliouche, which could push Mbaye further down the pecking order in Paris. This situation may create a window of opportunity for Liverpool to secure a future star at a comparatively modest fee, especially if the French side is willing to negotiate a favorable deal to balance their squad.
If Liverpool succeed in signing Mbaye, the teenager could be integrated gradually, learning from seasoned professionals while also receiving regular minutes in cup competitions and lower‑stakes league matches. Such a pathway would allow him to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League, while also giving the club a long‑term asset capable of contributing to both domestic and European campaigns.
In summary, Liverpool’s exploration of a deal for Ibrahim Mbaye reflects a strategic approach to rebuilding the attacking flanks after a period of significant turnover. By potentially pairing the young Senegalese winger with a more experienced wide‑player, the Reds aim to maintain depth, foster competition, and secure a promising talent who could become a mainstay in the squad for years to come.