Liverpool boost? Barcola and Mbaye dropped again by PSG amid transfer uncertainty

Liverpool targets Barcola and Mbaye have once again been left out of PSG's matchday squad as speculation over their futures intensifies. Barcola, 23, remains a primary objective for the Reds this summer, though negotiations continue to drag on, while 18-year-old Mbaye has emerged as a potential alternative to bolster Anfield's frontline. Both players featured at this summer's World Cup, where Barcola netted three goals during France's fourth-place finish, while Mbaye scored once before Senegal's last-32 exit.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the attacking pair are set to miss Sunday's Ligue 1 opener against Rennes. Their absence continues a recent trend, having already been sidelined for the Trophee des Champions defeat to Lens and the Uefa Super Cup triumph over Aston Villa just days earlier.

The situation is further complicated by the fierce competition in Enrique's frontline, which already features Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, alongside new arrival Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco. Despite the squad depth, Barcola proved his worth last season with 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for PSG. Arsenal had also shown interest in the 23-year-old winger earlier in the window before pivoting towards an ambitious attempt for Vinicius Jr that ultimately fell through.

Liverpool are set to push for a new winger in the final days of the transfer window to bolster their attacking options. The Reds have so far made just one forward addition this summer - signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna - despite the high-profile departure of club legend Mohamed Salah. Their urgency in the market is clear, having already seen two bids turned down for injured Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh.

Questions regarding the decision to drop Mbaye and Barcola for the Lens fixture saw Enrique abruptly cut short a post-match interview, though he later elaborated on his selection policy during his press conference. The Spaniard's firm approach arrives as PSG prepare to launch their Ligue 1 title defense, seeking to extend a dominant run that has delivered five consecutive league trophies and a record 14 overall.

'We are a very young, very ambitious team,' Enrique told reporters. 'And it's more important to make changes and find players who enjoy playing our way and being happy to play for PSG. If a player doesn't really want to come, if he's not happy here, it's better to find another solution.'

Andoni Iraola has issued a stark warning to the Liverpool hierarchy, admitting the squad remains well short of the depth needed to compete at the top level. Speaking ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener away to Newcastle United, the manager highlighted the urgent need for wide reinforcements, stating: 'There are certain situations that for me are clear, especially on the wing because we don't have enough players specifically to play in those positions. In other positions we have to be open-minded in the market to see situations that honestly can improve our team.'