Liverpool face PSG price gap in pursuit of 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye

Liverpool have reached agreement with Ibrahim Mbaye over a proposed five-year contract, but their attempt to sign the 18-year-old forward from Paris Saint-Germain is being held up by a substantial difference in the clubs’ valuations.

Mbaye, who is an international with Senegal, is keen to move to the English top flight this summer after finding his opportunities limited by the competition for places at Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool have therefore made progress in persuading the player of their sporting and contractual plans.

However, negotiations between the two clubs have stalled over the size of the transfer fee. According to the latest information reported by RMC Sport, Paris Saint-Germain are seeking between €70m and €80m to release Mbaye.

The player still has two years remaining on his contract with the French club, strengthening PSG’s position as they consider whether to accept an offer for one of their young forwards.

Liverpool, meanwhile, believe those demands are too high. The Premier League club value the “Lion of Teranga” at about €50m and are unwilling to go beyond €60m to complete the deal.

That difference has complicated the talks, despite Liverpool having already secured Mbaye’s agreement to the proposed contract. With only a few days remaining before the summer transfer window closes, the deal remains possible, but both sides may need to reassess their expectations if an agreement is to be reached.

Liverpool are looking for a financially acceptable solution that would allow them to sign the player without disrupting their wage and transfer-budget structure. Paris Saint-Germain remain in control of the timetable because of Mbaye’s existing contract and are under no immediate obligation to sell.

Mbaye’s current value is estimated at €30m by Transfermarkt. His annual salary in France is reported to be €910,000, equivalent to 591,500,000 FCFA.

The negotiations come shortly before Paris Saint-Germain begin their French championship campaign. They are due to face Stade Rennais in their opening match of the season.

Betting company 1xbet lists Paris Saint-Germain as favourites for that fixture, offering odds of 1.42 for a home victory. A draw is priced at 4.75, while a Stade Rennais win is listed at 6.50.

For now, the focus remains on whether Liverpool can bridge the financial gap with PSG before the transfer deadline. The English club have made their interest clear and have convinced the player, but Paris Saint-Germain’s asking price remains the central obstacle to a move.