Liverpool assess Barcola and Mbaye options as summer attacking plans take shape

Liverpool are continuing discussions with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola as they consider whether to add another winger to their squad this summer.

The Premier League club are keeping the possibility open, particularly if Cody Gakpo were to leave Liverpool for Tottenham. Barcola is therefore still regarded as a serious option by the Reds, with negotiations with PSG progressing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool appear determined to examine the possibility of signing the Franco-Togolese winger before deciding whether to make a formal move. Barcola’s pace and ability to attack opponents from wide areas would give Arne Slot’s side another attacking option and increase their variety in the final third.

The potential deal would, however, require a major financial commitment. Bradley Barcola’s market value is estimated at €90m by Transfermarkt, while his contract at Paris Saint-Germain runs until 30 June 2028. Those figures indicate the scale of the negotiations currently being pursued by Liverpool.

Barcola is not the only winger being monitored by the English club. Liverpool are also keeping track of Ibrahim Mbaye, the Senegalese wide player who features on their list of potential targets.

Mbaye’s current valuation is considered too high by Liverpool’s leadership, meaning the club could find it difficult to make a serious move for him. Unlike the Barcola talks, which are continuing with PSG, the financial expectations surrounding Mbaye are currently viewed as a significant obstacle.

Liverpool’s interest in both players comes as the club assess their attacking options ahead of the new season. The situation involving Gakpo and a possible move to Tottenham could influence whether Liverpool decide to pursue an additional winger, with Barcola remaining a live possibility while discussions continue.

The financial demands associated with the two targets are different in detail but present a similar challenge for Liverpool. Barcola’s long-term PSG contract and €90m estimated value could make his signing expensive, while Mbaye’s price is already judged excessive by the English club.

Liverpool will shortly face Newcastle in the opening round of the English championship. The betting company 1xBet has listed Newcastle at 3.05 to win, a draw at 3.65 and Liverpool at 1.93.