Liverpool have initiated moves to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye as part of the club’s strategy to reinforce their right-side attacking options during the summer transfer window.
According to RMC Sport, the 18-year-old Senegal international has welcomed the prospect of a move to Anfield and granted his approval to begin club-to-club negotiations. Liverpool are expected to open formal communication with PSG shortly. However, Mbaye’s initial green light does not guarantee a deal, as Liverpool must still reach an agreement with the French champions regarding the transfer fee and structure.
Liverpool Target Both Mbaye and Bradley Barcola
Liverpool do not view Ibrahim Mbaye as an alternative to Bradley Barcola. The same source reports that the Premier League side aims to secure the signatures of both wingers this summer.
Barcola remains the more complex pursuit due to his prominent role at PSG and high market valuation. In contrast, Mbaye’s deal presents a more straightforward pathway following his preliminary willingness to join the Reds. Liverpool consider Mbaye a high-value investment for the future, citing his versatility across the forward line, electric pace, and 1v1 dribbling ability despite his young age.
How Yan Diomandé’s Real Madrid Move Opened the Door for Liverpool
Mbaye’s transfer situation was previously linked to PSG’s negotiations with RB Leipzig for Ivorian winger Yan Diomandé. Under the initial framework, Mbaye was proposed to join Leipzig in a swap-plus-cash deal to lower Diomandé’s transfer fee and persuade the German club to sell.
Leipzig expressed strong interest in acquiring Mbaye, while PSG had reached an agreement in principle on personal terms with Diomandé, positioning both transfers to move simultaneously.
However, Real Madrid’s aggressive entry into the race altered the scenario. The Spanish giants submitted a higher offer and secured the preference of Diomandé, who prioritized a move to the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid’s intervention prompted PSG to withdraw from the chase for the Ivorian winger, citing Leipzig’s inflated financial demands and sudden changes in the player’s representation stance.
With Mbaye’s potential move to Germany collapsing, the path cleared for Liverpool to step in and secure the player’s approval.
Who Is Liverpool Target Ibrahim Mbaye?
Mbaye progressed through PSG’s youth academy before becoming the youngest player ever to start a competitive match in the club’s history at 16 years, 6 months, and 23 days.
Described by PSG as a fast, physically robust, and versatile attacker, Mbaye signed his first professional contract extending until summer 2027, backed by manager Luis Enrique’s belief in his long-term potential.
The Senegalese international featured in 24 Ligue 1 matches during the 2025–2026 season, accumulating 999 minutes while broadening his international experience. Mbaye also left his mark on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring Senegal’s goal against France to prove his ability on football’s biggest stage despite his youth.
