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Liverpool are tracking two winger targets this summer, with contrasting developments on each front as the transfer window enters its final weeks. The club’s pursuit of PSG star Bradley Barcola remains active, while a potential deal for teenager Ibrahim Mbaye appears to have collapsed over fee disagreements.
Barcola Door Left Open by PSG President
PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi declined to rule out a Barcola departure following PSG’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup final in Salzburg, a match in which Barcola played no part as an unused substitute.
“We’re working calmly. We don’t talk too much, we do. I can’t say whether he will leave or not. Today, he is a PSG player. We’ll see!” — Nasser al-Khelaifi, beinSPORTS
PSG boss Luis Enrique was equally non-committal when pressed on the 23-year-old’s future ahead of the Salzburg fixture.
“I don’t know and I don’t want to speak about any player individually. Because it’s always dangerous when you are asking something positive or negative about a player. I stay focused on my team.” — Luis Enrique
Barcola joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 for £38.5m and has since accumulated three Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups, two Champions Leagues, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. PSG are understood to be holding out for around £145m for the French international, a figure that would eclipse Liverpool’s current club record of £125m spent on Alexander Isak last summer.
Liverpool Pull Out of Mbaye Deal
The Reds have cooled their interest in PSG’s 18-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye after learning that a package deal for both him and Barcola could total £171m. Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool withdrew following talks with Mbaye’s representative, Jorge Mendes. PSG’s valuation of the teenager sits between £34m and £42m, a price Liverpool reportedly consider excessive.
Mbaye is capable of operating on either flank but has struggled for consistent minutes in Paris, with Luis Enrique favouring Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Barcola in wide positions. Like Barcola, Mbaye was an unused substitute in the Super Cup win over Villa.
Window Picture for Liverpool
Liverpool are targeting two new wingers before the window closes. Left-sided forward Cody Gakpo has attracted interest from Tottenham, and any potential exit would carry significant weight on how Liverpool approach the remainder of their recruitment.
Read also: PSG Tell Liverpool to Raise Their Offer for Bradley Barcola
The Barcola pursuit is now the headline act. Al-Khelaifi’s comments stop well short of a green light, but they keep the door open. Stay with TipsGG for all the latest updates as the window develops.