Liverpool lead race for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye

Liverpool are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, with the Senegal international said to favour a move to Anfield during the current summer transfer window.

The 18-year-old is understood to be enthusiastic about joining Liverpool, although a move to the Premier League could initially leave him competing for a rotational role during the 2026-27 season.

According to Football Insider, Mbaye has identified Liverpool as his preferred destination after concerns that regular first-team football could be difficult to secure if he remains with European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool are preparing to make a formal offer for the teenager, who has already made 42 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. The French club are reported to want at least £42m before considering his departure.

Mbaye has been involved regularly in Paris Saint-Germain’s preparations for the new season. He played the full 90 minutes in their recent 1-1 draw with Manchester United, providing the assist for his side’s goal.

That appearance followed a 60-minute outing against Real Mallorca in the previous match.

Liverpool are not the only Premier League club monitoring the player. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also following Mbaye’s situation as they consider whether to make a move.

Liverpool’s attacking options

A transfer to Liverpool would give the club the chance to bring together two of the most promising young wingers in world football, with Mbaye potentially joining Rio Ngoumouha.

However, Mbaye’s immediate prospects at Anfield would probably involve rotation rather than an automatic starting position. Despite impressing for Senegal at the most recent World Cup, his long-term future at Paris Saint-Germain remains uncertain.

Andoni Iraola currently has several options in the wide areas, including Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz, Rio Ngoumouha and Federico Chiesa.

The situation could nevertheless change during the remainder of the transfer window. Wirtz may be used in a wide position, Chiesa could leave the club and Gakpo has been linked with a move elsewhere. Those developments could increase the need for Iraola to strengthen the position.

Mbaye’s performances during Paris Saint-Germain’s pre-season have kept him in the spotlight, while his age and international experience have made him an attractive target for clubs looking to invest in young attacking players.

At the same time, Paris Saint-Germain are managing their own plans for the forward line. Bradley Barcola has been linked with a move to the Premier League, while manager Luis Enrique is seeking to sign Ajax forward Mika Godts.

Godts would be Paris Saint-Germain’s second attacking addition after the club’s reported move for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche.

For now, Mbaye remains a Paris Saint-Germain player, but Liverpool’s interest, the player’s reported preference for Anfield and the French club’s £42m valuation could shape one of the summer’s notable transfer decisions.