Both Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye will be left out of Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for the opening game of Ligue 1 – against Rennes – as Liverpool chase both players.
Onze Mondial report that both players will miss the trip to Rennes this weekend as Liverpool continue to try and do a double deal.
The outlet explains that while the clash will be a chance for ‘certain Parisian signings’ to prove their worth, it will not be the case for Barcola or Mbaye.
They state that their information is that neither player will be included in the squad travelling to Brittany. That’s a direct result of both having been in talks regarding a potential exit for several weeks.
Weekend omissions
As was the case against Lens in the Trophée des Champions, both players are out of this weekend’s squad. PSG have taken a stance that any players linked with departures.
“He (Barcola) is our son, and we want to protect him,” the club are quoted as saying in an interview with L’Equipe this week.
“Studies show that when a player is mentally unsettled, the risk of injury is higher. It is the coach’s decision, but it is also because Bradley isn’t 100% available.” The same now applies to Mbaye.
Liverpool transfer efforts
Sport Witness have covered various reports about Liverpool’s efforts to sign both players this week.
A report two days ago explained that PSG had given Liverpool a route to sign the two forwards. PSG have changed their transfer stance, opening the door for a deal.
It explained that previously the French giants would have ignored interest in Barcola. But now they’re actively pushing players who want to leave to the exit door.
A separate report on Friday then explained that PSG were leaving Bradley Barcola out of the squad due to the active negotiations with Liverpool. Mbaye was still in contention, despite having a contract agreement in place with the Reds.
Now it appears that PSG are taking no risks with either player. PSG leave both out of the squad travelling to Rennes this weekend, perhaps pushing them closer to the exit.
