Liverpool's Boost in Ibrahim Mbaye Pursuit After Dortmund's Bid
Liverpool’s pursuit of Ibrahim Mbaye has just been handed a sizeable boost – thanks to a record-breaking bid from Borussia Dortmund for someone else entirely.
Dortmund go all-in on El Mala
Sky Germany report that Dortmund are preparing an offer of €55 million to sign Said El Mala from Koln, with Florian Plettenberg stating that the teenager has already agreed personal terms. Koln now have the final say.
If that fee is accepted, El Mala would become the most expensive signing in Dortmund’s history. It’s a statement move for a player widely viewed as one of the standout young talents in the Bundesliga last season – arguably second only to Yan Diomande in terms of impact and excitement.
Dortmund see El Mala as a major development project, the kind of signing they have built their modern identity on. And that matters a great deal to Liverpool.
Mbaye race tilts towards Anfield
Liverpool have been pushing to land Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain, with the 17-year-old Senegalese winger regarded as one of the most gifted prospects in his age group. Inside the club, there is real belief that he has the tools to grow into a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah on the right flank.
The chemistry he could form with Rio Ngumoha only adds to the appeal. Those inside the youth scouting circles talk about a natural partnership, a blend of pace, flair and directness that fits perfectly with Liverpool’s attacking identity.
Liverpool and Dortmund had both been credited with strong interest in Mbaye. The German club, true to type, had identified him as another elite project, keen to move if their primary target could not be secured.
That primary target is El Mala.
Liverpool left in pole position
If Dortmund land El Mala for that record fee, the likelihood of them also entering serious negotiations for Mbaye drops dramatically. Two big-money teenage attacking signings in one window would be a huge stretch, even for a club as committed to youth as Dortmund.
That scenario leaves Liverpool in a commanding position. With their main rival for Mbaye seemingly ready to commit their resources elsewhere, the path to the PSG youngster clears.
Nothing is signed yet. No deal is done. But the direction of travel is obvious.
If Dortmund smash their transfer record for El Mala, Liverpool will expect to be out on their own at the front of the queue for Ibrahim Mbaye – and that could be the moment their long-term plan for life after Salah truly begins to take shape.
