Ibrahim Mbaye Chooses Liverpool Over Bayer Leverkusen as Paris Saint-Germain Exit Nears

Since late July, Ibrahim Mbaye has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool. It quickly became commonplace for the 18-year-old's name to be mentioned in the same breath as Bradley Barcola's, with Mbaye seemingly the Reds' top target to pair with the Frenchman.

Now, there has been a major update in the Reds' pursuit of the player.

Fabrice Hawkins has exclusively revealed that Liverpool have reached an agreement on personal terms with Ibrahim Mbaye. The winger has agreed a contract that would keep him at Anfield for the next five years. 

Critically, Mbaye has made it clear that he only wants to sign for Liverpool and not Bayer Leverkusen, who have been the other team most interested in his signature. This will grant Liverpool huge leverage during negotiations, especially important after it had been previously reported that the club were apprehensive over the Parisian's asking price for their teenage prospect.

Born in France, but now a regular for the Senegal national team, Mbaye has worked his way through Paris Saint-Germain's academy ranks since he joined the French giants from FC Versailles 78 in 2018.

Predominantly a right-winger, Mbaye is capable of playing across the entire frontline thanks to his powerful 6ft 1" frame and rapid pace.

He represents a profile bespoke to the needs of Liverpool's squad, able to provide a foil to the likes of Alexander Isak as a natural right-footed right-winger. He is direct, capable in one-versus-ones, and proficient at creating chances from cutbacks and crosses into the box.

He already has an impressive 15 caps for Senegal, scoring four goals.

As the transfer of Bradley Barcola to Liverpool seems to become more and more inevitable as time passes, the further addition of Ibrahim Mbaye would complete Liverpool's attacking ranks. 

With all the tools to become a perfect foil from the right, Mbaye's unique profile compared to the other forwards that already make up the Reds' squad could be invaluable in providing Andoni Iraola with the variety of options he needs.

Mbaye's clear preference to join Liverpool will only go down well with the fans and, hopefully, lend the club some leverage in negotiations to seal the deal. Time will tell, but if Liverpool secure both Barcola and Mbaye in a double swoop from PSG, this transfer window will likely go down as a successful one.

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