Liverpool handed major transfer blow with days remaining in transfer window

Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye, as the Reds’ time to secure new personnel for Andoni Iraola edges nearer to running out.

The 2024-25 Premier League champions have fallen from their perch since winning the English top-flight title in front of fans for the first time in 35 years.

That effort was spearheaded by the recently departed Mohamed Salah; now, the Egyptian is gone, as is Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konate, and Andrew Robertson.

The Reds’ Premier League crown was also won under the watch of Arne Slot, whose torrid efforts in the 2025-26 season — despite securing Champions League with one of the lowest points tallies in English history — led to his sacking at the hands of FSG.

That paved the way for Iraola’s arrival, after the Basque boss enjoyed a stellar campaign with Bournemouth, guiding the Cherries to their greatest ever league finish (6th).

Ahead of his first season as Reds manager, Anfield has seen the arrival of La Liga youngster Victor Munoz, Ligue 1 star centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, and Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo.

In the absence of a statement signing, despite talks with PSG’s Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, Liverpool’s trophy-winning odds look slim for 2026-27; now, their transfer window has taken another hit, with the latter attacker reportedly growing frustrated with the Reds’ approach, and open to talks with another club.

Liverpool receive major Mbaye blow, and risk Barcola deal

According to a report from L’Equipe, and relayed by Football365, the Senegalese forward is on the verge of looking elsewhere during this lengthy transfer saga with Liverpool.

The report states that Mbaye feels the Reds have prolonged the ordeal for too long — a sentiment echoed by Barcola — and is open to talking with other clubs.

The news arrives less than ten days out from the end of the transfer window, and Liverpool’s attacking options appear glaringly thin as they prepare to get their Premier League season underway.

The Reds were recently linked to Brighton attacker Yankuba Minteh, however, their opening two bids, the latter believed to be around €50 million, was rejected by the Seagulls.

Cody Gakpo is also being suggested as Tottenham Hotspur-bound; Iraola’s winger options would be among the worst in the English top-flight should they fail to sign either of the PSG duo, or their Brighton target.

The Reds are believed to have stalled in the Mbaye deal due to a difference in valuation, having disagreed with PSG’s asking price for the Senegalese forward.

Negotiations are said to be slowly progressing between both clubs, however, Mbaye’s own feelings in regard to the saga’s length, and his willingness to pursue other options, could prove more costly than PSG’s fee demands.

The report states that a disparity of €20 million between Liverpool and PSG’s prices must be resolved. There is no mention of Barcola beyond Mbaye’s feelings being minorly echoed by the Frenchman.

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Liverpool return to Premier League action against Newcastle, on Sunday at 4:30PM, with Iraola’s squad list looking dangerously thin ahead of a highly-charged St. James’ Park showdown.