Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Paris Saint-Germain striker Ibrahim Mbaye — and the move is expected to be completed before the club pursues a separate transfer for Bradley Barcola.

According to RMC Sport, an agreement for Mbaye is "expected" to be reached, with the 18-year-old Senegalese forward attracting serious interest from Anfield as Liverpool look to reshape their attack following Mohamed Salah's departure after nine years at the club.

Mbaye's situation at PSG

Mbaye has two years remaining on his Paris Saint-Germain contract and is regarded as one of the most promising young strikers in French football. However, his path to regular first-team football at the Parc des Princes has been complicated by the depth of attacking options available to manager Luis Enrique, prompting the club to consider allowing him to leave.

Paris Saint-Germain have already raised close to €150 million in sales this summer — offloading Kang-in Lee to Atletico Madrid, Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan, and Randal Kolo Muani to Juventus — making it what RMC Sport describe as a potentially "historic" summer of outgoings for the European champions.

Battle with Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool face competition for Mbaye's signature. Canal+ journalist Olivier Talleron posted on X that Bayer Leverkusen currently hold the advantage in the race, though RMC Sport's report contradicts that claim, stating that Mbaye is drawn to the prospect of developing at Merseyside. Paris Saint-Germain value the teenager at between €35 million and €45 million, while Transfermarkt places his worth at approximately €30 million.

FourFourTwo report that Mbaye is a target in his own right and not an alternative to Barcola. The two players occupy different positions — Barcola operating primarily on the left wing, Mbaye on the right — meaning Liverpool could, in theory, pursue both.

The Barcola question

Barcola remains a priority target for Liverpool, who have tracked the French winger since the start of the transfer window. Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, though the gap between Paris Saint-Germain's valuation — reported to be in excess of €150 million — and Liverpool's willingness to spend remains significant. As RMC Sport note, "a compromise will need to be found for the deal to go through."

Liverpool's new-look squad already includes Florian Wirtz among its attacking options, with the club also carrying Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Victor Munoz as players capable of filling various positions across the front line. Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United when the new season kicks off.