Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique refused to provide any meaningful update on the futures of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye after leaving both players out of his squad for Sunday’s Champions Trophy defeat to Lens. The two att

ackers have been strongly linked with Liverpool, who are looking to strengthen their forward line before the transfer window closes.

PSG entered the match hoping to secure a fifth successive Champions Trophy title, but their impressive run in the competition came to an end at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Ligue 1 champions PSG suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Coupe de France winners Lens, missing the opportunity to add another trophy to their collection.

However, much of the attention surrounding the game focused on the absence of Barcola and Mbaye. Neither player was included in Luis Enrique’s matchday squad, with both watching the contest from the stands. Their omission immediately increased speculation that they could leave Paris before the end of the summer transfer period.

The decision was particularly significant because the pair had also failed to feature in PSG’s previous competitive fixture. Barcola and Mbaye were named among the substitutes for the UEFA Super Cup victory against Aston Villa a few days earlier but remained on the bench throughout the match.

Competition for attacking positions has become even more intense following PSG’s recent transfer activity. The French champions added Ferran Torres and Mika Godts to Luis Enrique’s squad last week, giving the Spanish coach further options in the final third and potentially reducing the opportunities available to Barcola and Mbaye.

Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation. The Premier League club are actively searching for additional attacking quality as new manager Andoni Iraola prepares for his first campaign at Anfield. Talks are reportedly taking place between Liverpool and PSG regarding both players, although reaching an agreement could prove difficult because of the French club’s high valuations.

Unsurprisingly, Luis Enrique was questioned about the situation following PSG’s defeat to Lens. When initially asked why Barcola and Mbaye had been excluded from the squad, the former Barcelona and Spain coach offered an extremely brief response. He thanked reporters, said goodbye and walked away without explaining his decision.

The subject was raised again later in the press room. This time, Enrique made it clear that he had no intention of discussing individual transfer situations while the market remained open. He told journalists that he would address transfer-related matters only after the window had officially closed.

His reluctance to discuss Barcola and Mbaye came shortly after he had spoken more generally about the type of players he wants at PSG. On Saturday, Enrique stressed that commitment and enthusiasm are essential qualities for anyone who wants to remain part of his squad.

The PSG manager described his team as young and highly ambitious, explaining that continued changes are necessary if the club wants to progress. According to Enrique, PSG are searching for footballers who not only fit the tactical system but also genuinely enjoy representing the club.

His comments appeared particularly interesting in light of the uncertainty surrounding Barcola. Enrique suggested that players must demonstrate that they are happy to be in Paris and committed to the project. If someone does not want to join PSG or is unhappy about remaining there, the manager believes it makes more sense for the club and player to find an alternative arrangement.

Barcola’s future has been the subject of speculation throughout the summer. The 23-year-old reportedly indicated earlier in the transfer window that he was unwilling to agree to a new contract with the reigning European champions.

PSG are believed to value the French attacker at approximately £140 million. Their valuation reflects several factors, including his age, considerable potential and the inflated prices being paid for elite attacking players in the current market.

Liverpool, however, are attempting to negotiate a significantly lower figure. When the Merseyside club first explored the possibility of signing Barcola last summer, his estimated value was reportedly closer to £75 million. As a result, Liverpool are hoping that a compromise can be reached rather than meeting PSG’s current asking price.

From a tactical perspective, Barcola could be an attractive option for Iraola. He possesses pace, technical ability and the capacity to play across attacking areas. He can also provide a significant goalscoring threat, making him potentially well suited to the energetic and aggressive style Liverpool’s new manager is expected to implement.

Mbaye represents a different type of opportunity. At only 18 years old, the right winger is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents to emerge from PSG’s system.

The 6ft 1in attacker enhanced his reputation while representing Senegal at the World Cup. He made history during the tournament by becoming the youngest African player to score at a World Cup after finding the net in Senegal’s match against France.

Mbaye has been part of PSG since 2018 and has gradually progressed through the club’s youth structure into the senior squad. Despite his young age, he has already made 33 first-team appearances and scored four goals.

His international career has also followed an interesting path. Mbaye initially represented France at youth level before deciding to switch his international allegiance to Senegal in 2025. His performances for the African nation have subsequently increased interest in his long-term potential.

For Liverpool, Mbaye could arguably provide a more direct solution to one of their biggest problems. Mohamed Salah has left Anfield to join Trabzonspor, creating a major vacancy on the right side of the attack.

Replacing Salah is an enormous challenge given the Egyptian’s goals, assists and influence during his Liverpool career. Mbaye is still developing and could not immediately be expected to reproduce Salah’s extraordinary output, but his natural position on the right wing makes him an obvious candidate for that area of the pitch.

The main obstacle is again likely to be PSG’s valuation. The French club could reportedly demand more than £150 million for the teenager, a huge figure even for a player considered to have exceptional long-term potential.

Liverpool must therefore decide whether either PSG attacker represents sufficient value to justify such a major investment. The club have so far completed only two senior additions during the current transfer window, despite several significant departures.

Victor Munoz has joined Liverpool from Osasuna, while experienced defender Ronald Araujo has arrived on loan from Barcelona. Nevertheless, several areas of the squad still require attention.

Salah has yet to be properly replaced on the right wing, while Liverpool have also lost important defensive experience. Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate both departed after their contracts expired, leaving Iraola with additional rebuilding work to complete.

There has at least been some encouraging news in defence with the return of Jeremy Jacquet. Liverpool agreed to sign the defender from Rennes in January, but injuries prevented him from immediately establishing himself with his new teammates.

Jacquet recently returned to action for the first time since February 7 and made an immediate impact. He scored on his debut during Liverpool’s final pre-season friendly against Como, providing a timely boost ahead of the competitive campaign.

His return may reduce some of the concerns surrounding Liverpool’s defensive options and allow the club to focus more heavily on strengthening the attack during the final stages of the transfer window.

That brings attention back to Barcola and Mbaye. Both players possess qualities that could improve Iraola’s squad, although they would offer different solutions. Barcola provides greater senior experience and an immediate attacking threat, while Mbaye could represent a long-term investment with the potential to develop into Liverpool’s first-choice right winger.

Their absence from PSG’s Champions Trophy squad will inevitably increase speculation about possible departures. Combined with the recent arrivals of Torres and Godts, there are growing indications that both players could face increased competition for regular football if they remain in Paris.

Luis Enrique, however, appears determined not to contribute publicly to the speculation. His abrupt reaction after the Lens defeat demonstrated that he does not want to discuss the pair until the transfer window has closed.

For Liverpool, the coming days could therefore prove crucial. The Premier League club need attacking reinforcements, particularly following Salah’s departure, and both Barcola and Mbaye remain potential solutions.

Whether Liverpool can convince PSG to reduce their asking prices is likely to determine whether negotiations progress. With Enrique refusing to reveal his plans and both players currently outside his immediate matchday selections, uncertainty will continue until either an agreement is reached or the transfer deadline passes.