RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Barcola? Mbaye? Both? How does Liverpool fix their attack this transfer window?
The beginning of the Premier League season has come fast at Liverpool, and it seems that the Reds are simply not prepared for the onslaught of games.
After the loss of Mo Salah at the end of last season and the switch of managers to Andoni Iraola, necessary reinforcements have yet to arrive.
At the very least, Liverpool require another attacker. Rio Ngumoha and new signing Victor Munoz are both predominantly left-side options, Cody Gakpo is consistently linked with a move away, and Hugo Ekitike is out until at least December after rupturing his Achilles earlier this year.
Should Liverpool sign Bradley Barcola?
(Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola seems to be the biggest name consistently linked to Liverpool as their attacking reinforcement for the year. The France international is 23 years old, left-footed, and naturally a left winger but capable on the right too.
He scored 11 Ligue 1 goals in 29 appearances last season from just 1,750 minutes, with a non-penalty xG per 90 of 0.63. That’s especially striking given he was largely a rotation option: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s arrival in January 2025 pushed him to the bench, and he came off the bench in both Champions League finals, just as he often did for France at the World Cup.
As a straightforward level-raiser, there probably isn’t a better option on the market. His pace and his dribbling ability would immediately make him one of the best wingers in the league and make Liverpool’s attack much more dangerous as they chase Champions League football. If you want to bet on Liverpool’s chances this year, you can check Goal to find the best UK free bets available.
Barcola is a reliable option. We know he can score at the top level, and we know he can be relied upon as a central piece of a Champions League squad. The issue remains the cost: PSG are demanding €170m (£145m) for the winger, and the negotiations seem to be deadlocked until that price changes.
Should Liverpool sign Ibrahim Mbaye?
Mbaye represents the rarer and cheaper option compared to Bradley Barcola. Also of PSG, Mbaye is only 18 and has already been breaking records, becoming PSG’s youngest-ever league starter at 16 years and 23 days, and becoming the youngest African ever to score in the World Cup with a stoppage-time goal against France.
He’s also better for Liverpool’s books: he’d register as a U21 player, so he wouldn’t occupy a senior squad slot, and he’d qualify as homegrown from 2028/29. All that for a third of the price of Barcola, around €40m–50m. However, recent reporting from GOAL indicates that PSG are now looking for a fee closer to €70m-80m.
Mbaye might also be the best positional fit, being a natural right winger, but for such a young and raw talent, it’s a lot to ask for him to fill Mo Salah’s shoes. He would be a great addition to the side, but it may be that he is the second potential signing, maybe joining Liverpool if one of the current attackers, like Cody Gakpo, departs.
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