Report: Liverpool set to open ‘official talks’ for £43m winger; Anfield is his first choice…

Report: Liverpool poised to initiate ‘official discussions’ for £43m winger; Anfield is his top choice

Liverpool is reportedly gearing up to intensify their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye as the summer transfer window approaches its final month.

In addition to targeting Bradley Barcola, the Reds are also keen on acquiring his teenage teammate from Parc des Princes, with the 18-year-old believed to be enthusiastic about a potential transfer to Anfield.

Liverpool set to initiate ‘official discussions’ for Ibrahim Mbaye

On Thursday morning, Mark Brus reported for the Daily Briefing that formal negotiations are anticipated to begin shortly, with the Champions League holders willing to sell the Senegal international for the right price.

One source informed the reporter: “Liverpool are preparing to commence official talks for Mbaye. PSG is expected to request a transfer fee between €40m and €50m [£34.3m-£42.9m] for him. Mbaye is interested in the Liverpool project and considers it his priority.”

The 18-year-old is said to be ‘keen to leave Paris’, with Anfield being his preferred choice, and the Reds are believed to be in a strong position to secure his signature if he departs the French capital this month.

The opportunity is available for Liverpool to acquire Mbaye

While PSG is determined to retain Barcola, whom they value at an astonishing £145m (BBC Sport), they appear more willing to allow Mbaye to leave.

The former would be the marquee wide attacking addition that Liverpool requires following Mo Salah’s departure, but the latter is a natural right winger who would be significantly more affordable for the Reds, who need additional options in that area of the squad.

Considering the price range and the teenager’s reported eagerness to join Anfield, there seems to be ample opportunity for an agreement to be reached and a transfer to take place.

Mbaye remains an unrefined talent, with several facets of his game requiring enhancement – he has netted only four goals in 42 matches for PSG to date, and there are reportedly some worries within the club regarding his diet and punctuality (CaughtOffside).

Nonetheless, at just 18 years old, these are areas that can be developed and improved, and Liverpool has a significant opportunity to sign a promising right winger whom Sadio Mane believes has a ‘bright future ahead of him‘.

This situation has the potential to evolve into a transfer pursuit that could gain momentum in the upcoming days.