Liverpool's pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola remains open despite a hefty £145 million valuation, while a move for teammate Ibrahim Mbaye has reportedly collapsed.

Liverpool is actively seeking to bolster its wide attacking options this summer, with two promising wingers from Paris Saint-Germain having been high on their radar. The Reds have received mixed news regarding their transfer targets: an update on Bradley Barcola suggests a potential move isn't entirely off the table, while interest in young talent Ibrahim Mbaye has reportedly cooled. Securing either player would come at a significant cost, posing a challenge for the Anfield club, according to reporting by Mirror - Football.

The potential acquisition of Barcola, in particular, would represent a club-record fee for Liverpool, eclipsing the £125 million paid for Alexander Isak last summer. The club's strategic focus remains on adding depth and quality to its flanks ahead of the new season.

With crucial decisions looming for Liverpool's recruitment team, the latest developments from Paris provide clarity on one front and continued ambiguity on another. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining how the Reds ultimately shape their squad.

Barcola's PSG Future Remains Uncertain

The situation surrounding Bradley Barcola's potential departure from Paris Saint-Germain has been cast into further doubt by comments from the club's hierarchy. PSG President Nasser al-Khelaifi, speaking to beinSPORTS after the UEFA Super Cup final where PSG defeated Aston Villa 2-1 (a match Barcola sat out as an unused substitute), refused to rule out the 23-year-old winger leaving the club.

“We’re working calmly. We don’t talk too much, we do,” al-Khelaifi stated. “I can’t say whether he will leave or not. Today, he is a PSG player. We’ll see!” This statement indicates that discussions may still be ongoing behind the scenes regarding Barcola, who joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 for £38.5 million.

Similarly, PSG manager Luis Enrique offered a non-committal response when questioned about Barcola's future ahead of the Super Cup match in Austria. “I don't know and I don't want to speak about any player individually,” Enrique said, adding, “Because it's always dangerous when you are asking something positive or negative about a player. I stay focused on my team.” PSG is believed to value Barcola at around £145 million.

Mbaye Transfer 'Off' Amid Steep Valuation

In contrast to Barcola's situation, Liverpool has reportedly stepped away from a deal for 18-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Initial reports suggested Liverpool was exploring a combined package for both Mbaye and Barcola, which could have reached approximately £171 million.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool cooled their interest after holding talks with Mbaye's agent, Jorge Mendes. PSG's asking price for the young winger, believed to be in the range of £34 million to £42 million, was reportedly deemed too steep by the Reds. Mbaye, like Barcola, was an unused substitute in PSG's UEFA Super Cup victory against Aston Villa.

Liverpool's Winger Search Continues

Liverpool's continued pursuit of two new wingers underscores their strategic intent to reinforce their attack. The club's transfer plans could also be significantly impacted by potential outgoing transfers, such as the rumored move of left-sided forward Cody Gakpo to Tottenham.

The Reds are keen to ensure they have ample quality and depth across their wide positions for the upcoming campaign. The developments regarding Barcola and Mbaye highlight the complexities of the current transfer window as Liverpool navigates valuations and player availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest on Bradley Barcola's transfer to Liverpool?

PSG President Nasser al-Khelaifi has not ruled out Bradley Barcola leaving the club this summer, stating that discussions are ongoing but that Barcola is currently a PSG player. This leaves the door open for Liverpool, who are keen on the winger.

Why did Liverpool cool interest in Ibrahim Mbaye?

Liverpool reportedly ended their pursuit of Ibrahim Mbaye after deeming PSG's asking price, estimated between £34 million and £42 million, to be too high. A combined deal with Barcola was also considered, which would have amounted to approximately £171 million.

How much does PSG value Bradley Barcola?

Paris Saint-Germain is believed to be seeking around £145 million for French international winger Bradley Barcola. This valuation would make him Liverpool's most expensive player in history, surpassing Alexander Isak's £125 million fee.

Which PSG officials commented on Barcola's future?

Both PSG President Nasser al-Khelaifi and manager Luis Enrique have commented on Bradley Barcola's future. Al-Khelaifi gave a non-committal response to beinSPORTS, while Enrique stated he prefers not to speak about individual players ahead of the UEFA Super Cup match.