Bradley Barcola closer: Liverpool face major obstacle in Ibrahim Mbaye pursuit as Paris Saint-Germain name massive asking price
Contrasting transfer progress
According to reports from RMC Sport and L'Equipe, negotiations for Barcola are progressing, but talks regarding Mbaye are moving much slower. Paris Saint-Germain have demanded a massive €70 million fee to allow Mbaye to leave this summer. In various discussions, the French club communicated a valuation fluctuating between €70m and €80m.
While Liverpool have agreed personal terms with the 18-year-old, they are unwilling to match this asking price and value him closer to €50m. Consequently, Liverpool are struggling to make progress in their pursuit of Mbaye while focusing on Barcola.
Exploring alternative targets
The massive discrepancy in valuations has forced Liverpool to consider other options. The club have activated alternative transfer leads, such as Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, and internally they do not want to stretch their offer to €60m for Mbaye.
This hesitation persists even though Paris Saint-Germain have informed Mbaye that he can leave the club, despite him having two years left on his contract. The situation has raised doubts among interested clubs about whether Paris Saint-Germain genuinely intend to sell Mbaye, especially as they play hardball over the fee.
Left out of the squad
The uncertainty has impacted both players, with reports noting that Barcola and Mbaye feel their respective transfer sagas have dragged on for too long. Neither player is expected to be included in Luis Enrique's squad for the upcoming match against Rennes on Sunday. Instead, new arrivals Ferran Torres and Mika Godts should take their places in the group. With only 10 days remaining in the transfer window, Mbaye might even turn to another club if Liverpool fail to bridge the financial gap and prioritise finalising the Barcola deal.
Decisive days ahead
Paris Saint-Germain must quickly balance their financial demands with the reality of offloading players who are no longer required. Liverpool have to decide whether to submit an improved bid for Mbaye or solely focus on securing Barcola. The coming days will be crucial as both clubs race against time to reach a final resolution before the window closes.
