Liverpool's search for attacking reinforcements has taken several twists this summer, but Bradley Barcola has remained the primary target throughout the window. The Paris Saint-Germain
winger is still not a Liverpool player, with no agreement reached between the clubs and PSG continuing to place a huge valuation on their star forward. Reports have indicated that any deal could cost more than £100 million, making Barcola a hugely expensive investment.
PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye has also attracted Liverpool's interest, although there appears to be a greater chance of the Reds eventually securing Barcola than the 18-year-old academy product. Mbaye's extraordinary potential is obvious, but his limited senior experience makes him a much bigger gamble.
Then came the Minteh developments. Liverpool reportedly made an approach for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, only for the Seagulls to reject their offers. Brighton rejected bids of £50 million and then £60 million, with their valuation understood to be considerably higher.
Now, the latest twist has arrived. Crystal Palace
winger Ismaïla Sarr has emerged as a serious Liverpool target, with reports of a proposal worth around £50 million. Palace have subsequently rejected Liverpool's approach, but the development underlines just how wide the club's search has become.
But which of these four wingers actually makes the most sense for Andoni Iraola's Liverpool?
1. Ibrahim Mbaye – The Biggest Gamble With Huge Potential
At just 18, Mbaye is the youngest player on this list and therefore the most difficult to evaluate.
The Senegal international is a product of PSG's academy and has already experienced an extraordinary early career. He had made his senior debut at just 16, subsequently won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, made his Champions League debut and represented Senegal at international level.
For Iraola, the attraction is obvious. His football demands explosive attacking players who can press aggressively, attack space and transition quickly. Mbaye possesses the physical and technical tools to potentially become an excellent fit for that style.
However, potential is not the same as certainty.
Moving from PSG's controlled environment into the Premier League would represent an enormous step. Mbaye would need time to adapt to the physicality, pace and defensive demands of English football. Liverpool could develop him brilliantly, but there is no guarantee he immediately contributes at the level required.
That makes him the best long-term gamble, but not necessarily the safest signing.
2. Yankuba Minteh – Premier League Proven and Perfectly Suited to Transitions
Minteh arguably represents the most straightforward tactical fit after Barcola.
The 22-year-old already knows the Premier League and has accumulated 66 appearances, nine goals and eight assists for Brighton.
His explosive acceleration, direct running and willingness to attack space make him particularly interesting for Iraola. A system built around aggressive pressing and rapid transitions can maximise those qualities.
Minteh can stretch defensive lines, attack the space behind full-backs and turn turnovers into immediate opportunities. Those are precisely the characteristics Liverpool will need if Iraola wants to play at the intensity that made his Bournemouth side so effective.
There are still weaknesses. His final product needs development, while his 2025/26 Premier League campaign produced only three goals and four assists.
Nevertheless, his age gives Liverpool time to improve him. Unlike Mbaye, Minteh has already demonstrated that his game can translate to England.
3. Ismaïla Sarr – The Ready-Made Option
Sarr is the most experienced option and arguably the safest choice if Liverpool want immediate production.
At 28, he is entering the peak years of his career rather than beginning a development project. He also knows the Premier League extremely well after previous spells in English football, while his latest campaign for Palace demonstrated his ability to produce goals.
Sarr scored 9 Premier League goals in 28 appearances for a struggling Crystal Palace side last season, playing both from the right and in a more central attacking role.
That versatility would appeal to Iraola. Sarr can run behind defenders, attack transitions and provide a direct outlet when Liverpool need to bypass pressure.
The problem is his ceiling.
Liverpool should be looking for players capable of becoming elite stars, particularly after losing the long-term output associated with Mohamed Salah. Sarr can contribute immediately, but at 28 there is considerably less scope for development.
His reported £50 million price also makes the deal harder to justify. Palace have made clear that they are reluctant to sell, and reports suggest only a huge offer could change their position.
Sarr is a good player for the present, but probably not the transformational signing Liverpool should prioritise.
4. Bradley Barcola – The Undisputed Best Option
If Liverpool can somehow make the finances work, Barcola is the clear winner.
The 23-year-old combines youth, elite-level experience, technical quality and enormous upside. His 2025/26 season produced 13 goals and six assists across competitions for PSG, including two goals and four assists in the Champions League.
More importantly, Barcola possesses the qualities Iraola could develop into something even greater.
He is extremely quick, comfortable receiving wide, capable of attacking defenders and dangerous when moving inside. His ability to carry the ball at speed makes him devastating in transition, while his age means there is still plenty of room to improve his decision-making and final product.
That is where the Iraola factor becomes particularly important.
Liverpool would not simply be buying the player Barcola is today. They would be buying the possibility of what he could become under a coach whose system places enormous value on intensity, movement and aggressive attacking football.
Barcola already has Champions League-winning experience with PSG, so unlike Mbaye, he would not be arriving as an almost entirely untested prospect.
The only major obstacle is the price. PSG's valuation remains enormous, potentially pushing the transfer well beyond £100 million.
Final Verdict: Who Should Liverpool Sign?
For Iraola's Liverpool, the ranking is clear:
4. Ibrahim Mbaye – The greatest uncertainty, but also a fascinating long-term project. His potential is enormous, although there is no guarantee he will immediately handle the Premier League.
3. Yankuba Minteh – The Premier League-proven option. His pace, directness and transition ability make him an excellent tactical fit for Iraola, while his age leaves plenty of room for improvement.
2. Ismaïla Sarr – The ready-made solution. He is Premier League proven, experienced and entering the peak phase of his career, but his age and price limit his long-term appeal.
1. Bradley Barcola – The undisputed best option. He is one of the most promising young forwards in football, already proven at the highest level and possesses the exact attributes Iraola could develop into a world-class attacking weapon.
If Liverpool can negotiate a realistic deal with PSG, Barcola should remain the priority. He offers the rare combination of immediate quality, elite potential and tactical compatibility that could allow Iraola to develop him into one of the best forwards in world football.
