Villa secure Mbaye after lengthy pursuit
Aston Villa have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain. The Senegal international forward has been a target for Villa, with a figure in the region of £47m agreed between the two clubs. Mbaye, an 18-year-old winger, predominantly plays on the right wing. He made 24 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG last season, contributing three goals and two assists.
Villa’s interest in Mbaye dates back to January, but financial restrictions at the time prevented a deal. They renewed contact months later, with an estimated cost of £40million-£50million. The relationship between Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was reportedly key in finalising the agreement in principle, valued at €55million (£47m; $64m).
Mbaye’s signing comes after Villa missed out on AC Milan forward Rafa Leao, who is poised to join Galatasaray. Villa had pursued Leao intently, but could not meet the required financial package, only offering an informal proposal of a loan with an obligation. They never made a formal offer for the 27-year-old.
Emery’s transfer strategy and squad changes
The acquisition of Mbaye is part of a significant squad overhaul for Villa. Manager Unai Emery has overseen a summer of changes, with several players departing. Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne have all left the club. Additionally, Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez are also set to move on.
Emery confirmed Watkins’ departure, with the striker set to join Al Hilal in a £50m deal. Watkins apologised after missing the Brighton defeat, with Emery stating he made a mistake. Villa have lined up Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea as Watkins’ replacement, with a £65m deal awaiting completion after his medical. Jackson’s transfer could rise to a club-record £65m with add-ons. Emery described Watkins’ departure as emotional, saying he told him ‘bye’ with a ‘huge hug and a small cry’.
In addition to Mbaye and Jackson, Villa have brought in several other players. Alejandro Garnacho, Johan Manzambi, Leon Goretzka, Joao Gomes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Matteo Ruggeri have all arrived. Zion Suzuki could also feature for the first time after his £30m move from Parma, replacing Martinez, who is being sold to Chelsea for £7.5m.
Emery addressed the club’s transfer plans ahead of Deadline Day on September 1, stating that decisions were made for the good of the club. He acknowledged the responsibility to accept deals that are beneficial for Villa, even if it means selling players. Emery expressed confidence in the new signings, emphasising the need for a balance between experience and potential. He noted that while he wants to keep successful players, he accepts the situation due to prior experience.
Mbaye’s background and potential impact
Mbaye’s journey to professional football began after his father, Abdoulaye, introduced him to the sport. His first sporting interest was basketball. He joined local club Guyancourt before moving to Versailles, known for its academy. PSG recruited him into their academy system at the age of 10.
His rise continued, and by 16, he was playing for the under-19s, helping them win the Championnat National U19 title in 2024. That same year, he received the club’s Titi d’Or award, recognising him as the most promising player in the academy. In the summer of 2024, he trained with the first team and made an impression, leading to his debut in the first league game of the 2024-25 season. He made 10 appearances in all competitions that season and was on the bench when PSG won the Champions League.
Last season, Mbaye’s involvement increased to 30 appearances across all competitions. He holds the record as PSG’s youngest league starter at 16 years and 205 days. He also became the youngest African player to score at a World Cup, aged 18 years and 143 days, for Senegal against France. Additionally, he is his nation’s youngest player to appear at the Africa Cup of Nations in December 2025 and their youngest goalscorer in the tournament, scoring against Sudan in the round of 16.
Mbaye is described as a raw prospect who is still developing. He is right-footed and comfortable operating on both flanks, though predominantly plays on the right wing. His playing style involves using acceleration and turning to navigate tight spaces, frequently driving forward to create chances for teammates rather than focusing on his own shooting opportunities. His high link-up play suggests he profiles more as a quick-passing inside forward. Mbaye was involved in PSG’s pre-season, scoring in a 1-1 friendly draw against Manchester United.
Liverpool also explored a potential deal for Mbaye this summer but have since pursued his teammate, Bradley Barcola. Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has stated that the club is in a “rebuild” phase, and Mbaye is hoped to be a key figure in this new era. The agreement for Mbaye was finalised on Friday.
Source: skysports.com