Manchester United’s hopes of signing Ibrahim Mbaye have been handed a major lift following reports that Liverpool have backed away from the Paris Saint-Germain prodigy.
The Old Trafford club is among a host of European sides tracking the 18-year-old winger, who netted against Michael Carrick’s men during a warm-up fixture last weekend.
Having already featured 41 times for PSG and scored for Senegal against France in the 2026 World Cup, Mbaye may seek a summer exit to secure regular first-team football.
What prompted Liverpool to withdraw from the race for Ibrahim Mbaye
Representing the latest starlet to emerge from the PSG academy, Mbaye made history as the youngest player to ever start for the Parisian side when he faced Le Havre in August 2024 at just 16 years, six months, and 23 days old.
That strike against France secured his place as the youngest African goalscorer in World Cup history at 18 years and 143 days old; however, his route to regular football in Paris remains obstructed by star names like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola.
Although Liverpool were previously eager to lure Mbaye away from the French capital, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that the Merseyside club has abandoned its pursuit.
While the Reds remain interested in his PSG teammate Barcola, they decided against pursuing Mbaye after discussions with representative Jorge Mendes revealed a combined deal could reach €200m (£171m), with Mbaye alone commanding a fee of €40-50m (£34-42m).
This development could pave the way for United, who are reportedly among several prominent sides—including Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund—to have reached out to the Champions League winners regarding the youngster’s availability.
A departure seems even more likely if the French club finalizes a deal for Spanish World Cup star Ferran Torres, who is reportedly on the verge of joining from Barcelona.
Given that the 26-year-old versatile forward would intensify competition in Luis Enrique’s attacking ranks, Spanish publication AS indicates that PSG might look to sanction a temporary loan move for Mbaye.
The highly-rated youngster would provide a welcome option for the Red Devils, who currently find themselves short of attacking width ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Though Marcus Rashford has re-joined the squad after spending last term on loan at Barcelona, and Amad Diallo continues to catch the eye, Carrick’s other wide choices are limited to defensive-minded Patrick Dorgu and teenage prospect Shea Lacey.
The young attacker gave United a taste of his abilities by calmly slotting home just two minutes into last Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Stockholm.
