Liverpool is targeting Paris Saint-Germain forwards Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye to replace Mohamed Salah following his departure for Trabzonspor. While the club weighs a massive squad rebuild, high valuations and a firm stance from Paris threaten to stall negotiations before the new season begins.
The departure of Mohamed Salah from Anfield has left a massive void in the Liverpool attack, forcing club officials to aggressively scout the European market for reinforcements as part of a wider squad rebuild. Rather than looking for a single direct successor, the English club has trained its sights on Paris Saint-Germain, plotting a ambitious double swoop for two of the French club’s young attacking talents.
The search carries heightened urgency. Salah’s exit to Turkish side Trabzonspor has sparked concerns over a lack of cutting edge in the final third. Recruitment staff have identified an opportunity to pry away players who have found themselves spending time on the bench at the Parc des Princes, opening the door for a potential high-stakes transfer battle.
Bradley Barcola Emerges as the Primary Target
At the center of Liverpool’s shortlist is Bradley Barcola, a winger whose future in the French capital has grown increasingly complicated. The player’s contract runs until 2028, but Barcola decided against signing a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain, making clear his desire to seek a fresh challenge.
The player’s camp is actively working to facilitate a move. Barcola gives priority to the Liverpool project if an agreement can be struck between the clubs, and the English side has led the race for his signature since April. Yet bridging the financial gap remains a major hurdle.
Ibrahim Mbaye Joins the Radar Alongside Young Talent
Beyond Barcola, Liverpool has also cast its net toward Ibrahim Mbaye, adding the teenage prospect to its list of attacking reinforcement options in the wake of Salah’s departure.
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At just 18 years old, Mbaye has turned heads across African and European football following standout performances with the Senegal national team. His rapid ascent has drawn interest not just from Merseyside, but also from rival Premier League suitors including Manchester City and Tottenham.
By targeting both Barcola and Mbaye, Liverpool hopes to capitalize on their fringe status in Paris, where limited regular starts have created an opening. Yet a joint acquisition would require navigating a steep financial barrier, with reports indicating that Paris Saint-Germain could demand significant funds to part ways with both players.
Pundit Warnings and the Cost of Desperation
The aggressive pursuit has drawn skepticism from analysts who worry about inflated market valuations. Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen voiced strong reservations about committing massive funds to players who have yet to prove themselves in the English top flight.
Photo: Kooora
“That seems like an exaggerated figure, doesn’t it? For a player who hasn’t yet proven himself in the Premier League. It’s clear he has played at the highest levels, but, yes, at some point you have to say no, right? If it reaches 145 million pounds, my God, that is a staggering number”
“The problem is that everyone knows you are in desperate need of a top-class player, so you will have to pay exorbitant amounts. This might be exactly what you have to do. But it seems like an exaggerated figure, doesn’t it? 145 million pounds, that is the figure you’re talking about”
Michael Owen, via Goal
Despite the financial friction, negotiations between the two clubs remain active. Agent Moussa Sissoko continues to work behind the scenes to narrow the divide, and Liverpool figures plan to hold direct talks with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi in hopes of brokering a workable fee before the transfer window shuts.
