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Liverpool are reportedly "exploring" a potential move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, with any such transfer being independent of their ongoing pursuit of his PSG teammate Bradley Barcola.
Victor Muñoz remains the only winger recruited by the Reds this summer, though the club are eager to strengthen their attacking depth further before the transfer window closes. A costly chase for Barcola is well underway, and focus has now also shifted to 18-year-old Mbaye.
The Times reports that Liverpool have entered the race to acquire the Senegal international, who is also being linked with Bayer Leverkusen in a deal valued between $46.2 million (€40 million) and $57.7 million (€50 million).
Liverpool have made direct contact with the player's representative, Jorge Mendes, with whom they share a strong working relationship. Mbaye is said to be "drawn to a move to Anfield" and is seen as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, particularly given his ability to operate on the right wing.
Interest in the teenager will not affect Liverpool's pursuit of Barcola, whom the Premier League heavyweights continue to covet. The French winger is eager to join the Merseyside club, but PSG's asking price of nearly $195 million has been the main obstacle in talks.
Could Liverpool genuinely land both Barcola and Mbaye before the summer window shuts?
Why Liverpool Want to Sign Mbaye
Mbaye's rise has been nothing short of meteoric. The versatile attacker became the youngest player ever to appear for PSG, making his debut at just 16, and has been a consistent presence in the squad since. Over the past two campaigns, he has featured 42 times, frequently deployed in Ligue 1 by Luis Enrique to give more established forwards a rest ahead of the Champions League knockout stages.
A significant 75% of his appearances came in France's top flight last season, during which he netted three goals and contributed two assists. However, only 10 of his 24 outings were starts.
Mbaye's development has been equally impressive at international level with Senegal. He already has 15 senior caps to his name, contributing four goals and three assists. A breathtaking solo effort against France at the 2026 World Cup drew widespread and well-deserved acclaim.
It has been evident from early in the summer that Liverpool are placing a premium on pace in wide positions, and Mbaye offers that in spades. The winger, capable of playing on either flank but most commonly deployed on the right, recorded a top speed of 20.87 miles per hour in the Champions League last season — surpassed by only 13 wingers, one of whom was Barcola (21.37 mph).
While there is still room to sharpen his final product, the youngster's electrifying pace is complemented by excellent close control and confident ball-carrying. He averaged 1.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 last term — only 11 players topped that figure — and Rio Ngumoha (4.9) was the sole Liverpool player to exceed that tally in the Premier League last season.
Skilled at absorbing pressure and well-suited to the direct style Andoni Iraola is looking to implement at Anfield, Mbaye has the makings of a standout signing for Liverpool.
Why Cody Gakpo Could Prove Integral to Moves for PSG Pair
Liverpool broke their own spending record last summer with outlays of roughly $600 million, yet managed to recoup around $250 million through player sales. This has given the club some financial flexibility heading into the current window.
They have already committed $81 million for Jérémy Jacquet and a further $46 million on Muñoz, but are still anticipated to be active in the market during the closing weeks of the window. That said, spending $241 million on both Barcola and Mbaye, on top of potential additions elsewhere, would likely necessitate further player departures.
A sale of Curtis Jones to Inter could generate useful funds, while Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa may also be heading for the exit. Salah's departure also frees up significant wage budget, with the Egyptian's $539,000-per-week salary no longer a financial burden.
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However, it is Cody Gakpo who could hold the key to Liverpool's dealings with PSG. The Dutchman endured a challenging 2025–26 campaign and has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Although Liverpool are reluctant to part ways with him, a substantial offer — likely in the region of $80 million or above — could change their stance.
Securing a significant fee for Gakpo would go a long way toward funding a much-needed revamp of Liverpool's wide positions.