Liverpool Targets PSG Stars Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola

Liverpool are accelerating their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain pair Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola, with one deal already moving into the fast lane and another about to be tested by a fresh bid.

New reports in France claim Liverpool’s move for Mbaye is “progressing rapidly”, with the 18-year-old winger understood to have agreed terms on a five-year contract running to 2031. Negotiations between the clubs are now expected to intensify, with the framework of the player’s side effectively in place.

The push for Mbaye comes as Liverpool also prepare a renewed offer for his PSG team-mate Barcola, the man identified as the preferred heir to Mohamed Salah on the right flank. RMC Sport report that Liverpool are set to table an improved proposal this week as talks continue, despite a clear gap in valuation between the two clubs.

Andoni Iraola has made no secret of his need for more firepower. Liverpool have focused most of their summer work on the back line, bringing in Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo to reinforce the defence. In attack, the only senior addition so far has been Spain international Victor Munoz, signed from Osasuna after the club triggered his £34.5 million release clause during the World Cup.

It leaves the squad light in the final third. Alexander Isak, Munoz and teenage livewire Rio Ngumoha carry much of the attacking burden, while Hugo Ekitike remains a long-term absentee through injury. Questions also linger over the futures of Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa at Anfield, adding another layer of urgency to Liverpool’s late-window plans.

That shortage has already pushed academy products into the spotlight. Lewis Koumas and Will Wright featured heavily across pre-season, as did fellow youngsters Trey Nyoni and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, but Iraola wants proven quality to complement that youth rather than rely on it.

The Salah void still looms largest. The club legend departed at the end of last season and has since joined Trabzonspor, leaving Liverpool without a marquee right-sided forward for the first time in years. Internally, Barcola is viewed as the long-term solution, a profile that fits both the tactical and age profile of the rebuild.

For Mbaye, the path looks even clearer. The same French outlet reports that Liverpool’s move for the Senegal international is now gathering real speed, helped by a significant development in the market: Bayer Leverkusen, seen as major rivals for his signature, are no longer expected to pursue a deal. With the Bundesliga champions stepping back, Liverpool suddenly stand in a commanding position.

Mbaye, born in France but representing Senegal at international level, and Barcola have both been at the centre of mounting speculation in recent days. That noise only grew louder when neither player made PSG’s matchday squad for Sunday’s French Super Cup defeat against Lens, a notable omission at a time when their futures are under intense scrutiny.

Pressed on the pair after that loss, PSG head coach Luis Enrique refused to be drawn into specifics. “I will only talk about the transfer window at the end of the transfer window, not before or after,” he said. “When the transfer window is closed, I will talk about all the subjects.”

For Liverpool, the clock is ticking toward the September 1 deadline in England. Two wingers, one vacancy left by a modern icon, and a new head coach demanding more cutting edge — the next fortnight will reveal just how bold they are prepared to be.