According to a report by footballTransfers on Wednesday November 4, 2026, Liverpool have been told that Ibrahim Mbaye is beginning to make a name for himself at Aston Villa after the Reds decided against signing the young forward during the summer transfer window.

According to RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins, Liverpool agreed personal terms with Mbaye before exploring a potential move from Paris Saint-Germain.

The club ultimately chose not to proceed, however, and the 18-year-old instead joined Aston Villa for €55 million (£45.8 million).

Mbaye has made an encouraging start to life at Villa Park. He supplied assists against Fenerbahce, Viking and Manchester City during October, catching the eye with his work on the left wing.

Hawkins praised the teenager’s early performances, saying he is settling into Unai Emery’s system and becoming increasingly influential.

The reported assessment offers an early glimpse of what Liverpool may have missed out on, although Mbaye is still at the beginning of his career.

At 18, he will need time to develop, and his progress at Villa will be closely watched as the season continues.

Liverpool did remain in talks with PSG over another attacker, completing a €125 million (£104 million) deal for Bradley Barcola.

The France international has contributed three goals and two assists in 12 appearances for the Merseyside club. He also marked his first goals for Liverpool with a hat-trick in a 6-0 Champions League victory over LASK on October 14.

The Reds explored other options during the window, too. They reportedly made two offers for Brighton and Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh, but both were rejected.

Liverpool also approached Crystal Palace about Senegal international Ismaïla Sarr, though Palace turned down their bid.

With Mbaye impressing at Villa and Barcola already contributing for Liverpool, the two clubs’ summer decisions will continue to invite comparison.

For now, the young forward’s promising start gives Villa reason to be pleased with their investment, while Liverpool will hope Barcola proves to be the right choice for their attack.