Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique offered brief and dismissive responses to questions regarding Liverpool targets Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye following his team's Champions Trophy defeat.
PSG lost 1-0 to Lens in the Champions Trophy match on Sunday, with both Barcola and Mbaye absent from the squad. They were in the stands for the contest, having been dropped by Enrique amid uncertainty surrounding their futures with the club. The pair were also unused substitutes in PSG's UEFA Super Cup victory over Aston Villa a few days prior.
Last week, PSG added Ferran Torres and Mika Godts to their squad, further pushing Barcola and Mbaye down the team's pecking order. Liverpool, seeking attacking reinforcements for their upcoming season under manager Andoni Iraola, are reportedly in discussions with PSG concerning both players.
When questioned about the decision to exclude the duo from the Champions Trophy squad, Enrique responded with a terse "Thank you, goodbye," before leaving the post-match press conference. Later, when addressing their situations in the press room, he stated, "I will speak about the transfer window when it is finished."
Enrique had previously commented on his team's dynamics, emphasizing his desire for all players to feel a strong connection to the club. "We are a very young, very ambitious team," he said on Saturday. "It is important for us to make changes and look for players who enjoy playing our way and who love playing for PSG. That is very clear to us."
He added, "When a player doesn't want to come here, or doesn't have a smile on their face about being here, it is better to find another solution."
Barcola, 23, reportedly indicated earlier in the summer that he did not wish to sign a new contract with PSG. The club values him at approximately £140 million, considering his age, potential, and current market value. Liverpool's initial inquiries last summer suggested a price closer to £75 million, and his skillset is seen as a potential fit for Iraola's system.
Mbaye, an 18-year-old right winger, gained attention for his performance at the World Cup, where he became the youngest African scorer in the tournament's history. He has been with PSG since 2018, making 33 senior appearances and scoring four goals. He represented France at youth levels before committing his international future to Senegal in 2025.
Mbaye could be considered a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who has moved to Trabzonspor. However, negotiations are expected to be influenced by PSG's likely asking price, which is anticipated to exceed £150 million.
Liverpool has signed two senior players this transfer window. Victor Munoz arrived from Osasuna, and Ronald Araujo joined on loan from Barcelona. Jeremy Jacquet, signed in January, recently rejoined his teammates after an injury-affected period and scored on his debut in PSG's final preseason friendly.