- Liverpool are still trying to strengthen their attack before the transfer window shuts on 1 September, with Bradley Barcola their primary PSG target
- Paris Saint-Germain are currently demanding in the region of €200m for Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola, a valuation Liverpool consider too expensive at this stage
- Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones are attracting reported interest, which could force Andoni Iraola to reconsider Liverpool’s midfield priorities this summer
PSG Valuation Complicates Liverpool’s Wide Forward Plans
Liverpool’s push to add more attacking quality before the end of the summer window has run into a significant financial obstacle, with Paris Saint-Germain’s asking price for two of their forwards currently beyond the Premier League club’s valuation.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool regard PSG’s demands for Ibrahim Mbaye as too high to move forward with a deal at present. The Ligue 1 champions are demanding in the region of €200m for the 18-year-old and Bradley Barcola, 23, who is also wanted by the Reds.
Mbaye, a Senegalese international forward, looks likely to leave the Parc des Princes this summer, but PSG’s current stance has left the potential transfer at risk of stalling. Liverpool are unwilling to proceed under the present conditions because the French club’s valuation does not align with their own assessment.
🚨0️⃣ Zero minutes tonight for Bradley Barcola in PSG-Aston Villa, Liverpool’s top target this summer. pic.twitter.com/AZBLMMz9Po
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2026
Barcola Remains The Main Attacking Target
The Reds are continuing to work on a high-profile move for PSG winger Bradley Barcola as they look to improve their options at the top end of the pitch. With the transfer window shutting on 1 September, Liverpool are still trying to complete attacking business before time runs out.
Andoni Iraola’s leading aim has been to reinforce the forward line, particularly as Liverpool look for a replacement for Mohamed Salah while also strengthening the attacking third more broadly. Barcola is currently the club’s primary target, while Mbaye is also being assessed as another option for Iraola.
Midfield Interest Could Change Liverpool’s Priorities
While Liverpool’s hierarchy remains focused on reinforcing the attack, the club are also bracing for potential bids for Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones this summer. That scenario could create a fresh transfer headache and force Iraola to redirect attention towards midfield additions.
Reports from Turkey indicate that Galatasaray have expressed interest in signing Mac Allister. That interest has so far been communicated through intermediaries in an attempt to understand both Liverpool’s valuation and the Argentine’s wage expectations.
Manchester City have also been linked with Mac Allister. City have earmarked the World Cup winner as a possible signing as they look to address the potential gap left by Rodri, who could be on his way to Barcelona this summer.
Mac Allister has been a regular presence in Liverpool’s midfield since joining from Brighton in 2023. He has now entered the final two years of his Anfield contract, and a dip in form last season has contributed to speculation around a possible summer departure.
Curtis Jones is also the subject of renewed transfer attention, with the midfielder moving closer to a possible switch to Inter.
Jones was missing from Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Monaco, which sparked attention amid the transfer speculation. Iraola, however, explained that the absence was connected to a minor fitness issue rather than a potential move.
Current Liverpool Transfer Picture
| Player | Club / Situation | Reported Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bradley Barcola | Paris Saint-Germain | Liverpool’s primary attacking target; PSG are demanding in the region of €200m for Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. |
| Ibrahim Mbaye | Paris Saint-Germain | The 18-year-old Senegalese international forward is also being considered by Liverpool, but PSG’s valuation is deemed too high. |
| Alexis Mac Allister | Liverpool | Galatasaray interest has reportedly been conveyed through intermediaries; Manchester City have also earmarked him as a potential signing, though there has been “no contact or developments”. |
| Curtis Jones | Liverpool | Inter have approached Liverpool over a deal valued at $40M after a £21m offer was rejected in June, with Liverpool holding out for $47M. |
Midfield Depth Under Scrutiny
If Mac Allister were to leave, Iraola would need to identify a suitable replacement. Liverpool currently rely on Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai as three of their key midfield options.
Harvey Elliott, Trey Nyoni, Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic also remain in contention, although all except Nyoni have similarly been linked with departures this summer.
The combined picture leaves Liverpool balancing two urgent transfer themes: a determined pursuit of attacking reinforcements, led by Barcola and with Mbaye under consideration, and the possibility that interest in established midfielders could reshape the club’s plans before the window closes on 1 September.
