Liverpool are stepping up efforts to get a Bradley Barcola deal over the line before the transfer window shuts, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, though a move for Ibrahim Mbaye looks far less certain right now.
Barcola continues to be seen as the man Liverpool want most to fill the gap left by Mohamed Salah. The PSG forward is said to be willing to make the switch to Anfield and has reportedly been sidelined from the French club’s plans, along with Mbaye, while their situations get sorted out.
Romano used a GIVEMESPORT social media appearance to dampen talk of Liverpool lining up a massive two-for-one swoop, but he did confirm that talks over Barcola are moving forward. He suggested Liverpool will be among the most active clubs as the window heads into its closing stretch, noting that conversations between the Merseyside club and PSG are happening on a daily basis.
According to Romano, Liverpool are still working to nail down the financial terms, with Barcola himself keen to make the move happen. He also floated the idea that the Reds could sign a second winger, especially if Cody Gakpo ends up heading to Tottenham.
As for Mbaye, he’s still on Liverpool’s radar, and the club has already opened talks with his representative, super-agent Jorge Mendes. The sticking point, though, is the price tag being placed on him.
Romano doesn’t see Liverpool paying out roughly £171million combined to land both players. He reckons the fees will need to come down, with Barcola staying the number-one priority and Mbaye only becoming realistic if his price softens.
Lower fees could work in Liverpool’s favour
Should negotiations for both targets drag into the final days of the window, Liverpool may find themselves in a position to grab a discount.
Barcola’s current valuation sits at around £145million, but there’s a suggestion PSG might eventually settle for something closer to £120million — still a massive outlay, but shy of breaking the British transfer record.
Mbaye, meanwhile, is valued at somewhere around £50million, though that figure could potentially slide down into the £30million-£45million range.
For the time being, Barcola remains the clear focus for Liverpool, with Mbaye sitting as a backup option that could become more viable if PSG start lowering their asking price.
