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Liverpool look set to miss out on another transfer target, with Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye on the brink of completing a move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
The Reds have spent the entire summer searching for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, and their quest for a right winger — a position currently vacant in their squad — continues without resolution.
Liverpool had flagged Mbaye as a potential acquisition earlier in the window, but their reluctance to match PSG's valuation of the 18-year-old ultimately prevented any deal from materialising.
Villa, however, were not put off by the price tag, with The Athletic reporting that they reached an agreement in principle after submitting a $63.8 million (€55 million, £47.1 million) offer.
The report highlights the close relationship between PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris as a key factor in facilitating the deal.
Mbaye made 42 first-team appearances for the reigning European champions after joining their academy in 2018. The Senegal international, who featured at the 2026 World Cup, has registered eight goal contributions during his time at the club.
What Next for Liverpool After Yet Another Setback?
Liverpool fans received some encouraging news on Thursday when reports confirmed a $163 million (£120 million) deal with PSG for the acquisition of Bradley Barcola. An upfront payment of $135 million (£100 million) will be made, with the remainder tied to performance-based add-ons.
Nevertheless, this does little to address Liverpool's mounting concerns on the right wing, as Barcola is predominantly a left-sided player.
A chaotic pursuit of Salah's replacement has seen the Reds linked with Maghnes Akliouche, Ismaïla Sarr, Mbaye, and Yankuba Minteh. Yet, with the September 1 deadline drawing near, there is still no clear indication of who, if anyone, will arrive.
So, where do Liverpool go from here?
There are still names available in the market, even if none are particularly thrilling. A return to Ligue 1 cannot be ruled out, with Liverpool reportedly among the clubs keeping tabs on versatile Lille youngster Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
The 21-year-old, who represented Belgium at the World Cup, is capable of operating across the attacking line and has already built a reputation for his pace and dribbling. He contributed eight goals and six assists for Les Dogues last season.
20-year-old Porto standout William Gomes has also been loosely linked. The left-footed Brazilian netted 14 goals across all competitions last season.
A potential reunion between Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth's Rayan seems unlikely. The Brazil international carries too high a price tag, even though his $176 million (£130 million) release clause doesn't become active until January 2027.
Liverpool had shown interest in Pedro Neto prior to his move to Chelsea. With uncertainty surrounding his future there, could they rekindle that interest? They would likely face stiff competition from Al Hilal and Manchester City for the 26-year-old's costly signature.
Juventus's Francisco Conceição and Club Brugge's Carlos Forbs have also been floated as potential options, though neither is likely to enthuse Liverpool's increasingly impatient supporters.
Some Good News for Unai Emery, Aston Villa
Liverpool's misfortune is very much Aston Villa's fortune, offering some relief to manager Unai Emery after a difficult few weeks. The Spaniard has seen much of his Europa League-winning squad from 2025–26 depart, and delivered an emotional farewell to Ollie Watkins at his Friday press conference, confirming the two had reconciled following the striker's decision to make himself unavailable on the opening day of the season.
"He came to us after the Brighton match and apologised, saying he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players too," Emery said. "His commitment and attitude were outstanding. He's a wonderful person — even more so than a footballer. I said goodbye to him with a big hug and a few tears."
Watkins is set to move to Saudi Arabia to join Al Hilal and is expected to be replaced by Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson. Emery confirmed a "new chapter" is beginning with the Senegalese international, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.