Liverpool could smartly use a clever trick with their new winger signing to get around a Premier League rule.
Liverpool have a clever way to sign both of their top winger targets this summer by using a Premier League rule.
So far, the Reds have signed Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, but they’re still looking to add more to Andoni Iraola’s team.
One big target all summer has been Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, and both clubs are talking about a possible big transfer.
Now, new reports from France say Liverpool are also interested in Barcola’s teammate, Ibrahim Mbaye.
Mbaye is just 18 years old and is the youngest African to score in a World Cup. He’s played 41 times for Luis Enrique’s team and is seen as a very promising player.
According to Fabrice Hawkins from RMC Sport, Mbaye is ready to move to Liverpool, and talks should start soon.
Liverpool want to sign both Barcola and Mbaye, and it turns out they can do this without any Premier League registration problems.
Jack Lusby from This is Anfield explains that even though Liverpool only has one non-homegrown spot left, Mbaye doesn’t need to be registered as a senior player yet.
If he signs, Mbaye won’t count as a senior squad member until the 2029/30 season, when he turns 21. Later, he’ll even count as a homegrown player.
Mbaye’s contract with PSG runs until 2028, and he’s valued at about £35 million. This transfer seems easier than the deal for Barcola, who would be much more expensive even though he refused a new contract.
Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool and PSG are talking, with Liverpool ready to offer £85.6 million for Barcola.
But PSG might want more because of how the market is this summer—other players like Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson have moved for big fees.
PSG look like they’ve already found Barcola’s replacement with Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, in a reported £42.8 million deal.
Last month, Liverpool’s new manager Iraola talked about signings: “It’s hard to give a number. When the market is open, you have to be ready to improve the team.
“We definitely need a winger, but we’ll also look at other options depending on the costs and the players we already have.
“We have some tough spots with injured players we trust, but it’s not perfect yet, so we’ll decide based on many factors.”