Sadio Mane already gave Liverpool honest verdict on Ibrahim Mbaye transfer

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.

Ibrahim Mbaye is a player reportedly of interest to Liverpool and the Senegalese forward has already been tipped for big things by former Reds star Sadio ManeSadio Mane has played with Ibrahim Mbaye at international level(Image: 2026 Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos)Ibrahim Mbaye may be just 18 years old, but he's already compiled an impressive résumé. Reports from France suggest he prefers a switch to Anfield despite more concrete interest from Bayer Leverkusen, while he was also on RB Leipzig's radar when PSG were pursuing a deal for Yan Diomande, reports the Liverpool Echo.Only time will reveal whether Liverpool are to solidify their interest in Mbaye.

Recording a goal and two assists on his full debut in an 8-0 friendly victory over Kenya, his application to switch international allegiance received FIFA approval the following month ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.Featuring alongside former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané for the Teranga Lions, he wasted little time in capturing his compatriot's attention.Mané netted a hat-trick in the aforementioned friendly triumph over Kenya, with Mbaye providing his opening goal.Carrying such form into the AFCON tournament in Morocco, the 17 year old became Senegal's youngest ever player to appear in the competition when introduced in their opening fixture against Botswana.Ibrahim Mbaye played at the World Cup(Image: 2026 FIFA)He subsequently assisted Mané once more in Senegal's second match of the tournament. He has a bright future ahead of him."We will try to help him find the right rhythm so that he can help us even more, because he is an exceptional player."Having won a penalty in Senegal's subsequent fixture as they triumphed 3-0 against Benin, Mbaye then netted his first AFCON goal from the bench in a 3-1 victory over Sudan in the round-of-16.Assisted by Mané, he became his nation's youngest ever goalscorer at the Africa Cup of Nations in doing so.

Once again, the former Liverpool stalwart heaped praise on Mbaye after the final whistle."It's a pleasure to give him a pass," he said. He capitalised on the defender's mistake.