Manchester United are in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential move for teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye, with Liverpool having withdrawn from the running for the 18-year-old's signature.

Mbaye has already accumulated 41 appearances for PSG and made history at FIFA World Cup 2026 by becoming the youngest African player to score at the tournament — netting for Senegal against France at just 18 years and 143 days old.

He also holds the record as PSG's youngest-ever starter, having lined up against Le Havre in August 2024 at the age of 16 years, six months, and 23 days. Despite those credentials, regular first-team football in Paris remains elusive, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Why Liverpool pulled out

Liverpool had been among the clubs monitoring Mbaye, but transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that the Reds have stepped back from a deal. The club are simultaneously pursuing PSG team-mate Barcola, and talks with Mbaye's agent Jorge Mendes revealed that acquiring both players could carry a combined price tag of €200 million (£171 million). Mbaye alone is reportedly valued at between €40 million and €50 million (£34–42 million).

That withdrawal clears the way for United, who — along with Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund — have reportedly made contact with the UEFA Champions League holders to ask about the teenager's availability.

Torres threat could push Mbaye out

Mbaye's situation at PSG could become even more precarious if the club completes the signing of Ferran Torres from Barcelona. The 26-year-old Spain forward, a FIFA World Cup 2026 final hero, can operate across the front line and would add further competition in Luis Enrique's squad. Spanish outlet AS reports that PSG may consider sending Mbaye out on loan as a consequence.

United's need for wide options

United head into the 2026/27 season short on attacking width. Marcus Rashford has returned to the club following a loan stint at Barcelona, and Amad Diallo has shown promise, but Michael Carrick's remaining wide options include Patrick Dorgu — signed primarily as a wing-back — and 19-year-old Shea Lacey.

Mbaye offered a glimpse of what he could bring in the 2nd minute of last Saturday's pre-season friendly in Stockholm, which finished 1-1, finishing with confidence to give PSG an early lead against United's side.