Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye, a major move as the transfer window nears its close. The deal, reported by Sky Sports Football on Friday 28 August 2026, is valued in the region of £47 million (€55 million) for the 18-year-old Senegal international.
Villa are hopeful the teenager will travel on Saturday to complete a medical. The club sits 20th in the Premier League after one game, with zero points and a goal difference of minus four following a season-opening defeat. Their next test is a home clash against second-placed Arsenal on Monday Night Football, a fixture boss Unai Emery has already previewed.
Who is Ibrahim Mbaye?
Ibrahim Mbaye is a right-winger who has already compiled an impressive CV at a young age. He joined PSG from FC Versailles 78 in 2018 and made his senior debut in August 2024 at just 16, becoming the youngest player ever to start a match for the French giants. Last season, he made 24 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Across all competitions, he featured 31 times for PSG's first team.
At international level, Mbaye has earned 15 caps for Senegal. He played in six of their seven games during their victorious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. He then started three of Senegal's four matches at the 2026 World Cup, scoring in their opening defeat to France on June 16.
Why are Villa signing him now?
Mbaye has been a long-term target for Villa, with Sky Sports News reporting the club's interest as far back as March. The move accelerated this week after Villa missed out on other forward targets. The club was in discussions over a loan for AC Milan's Rafael Leao, who instead joined Galatasaray, and saw a bid for Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta fall short. An approach was also made for Bayer Leverkusen's Christian Kofane.
The need for attacking reinforcement became urgent with the imminent departure of Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal in a £50 million deal. Villa have lined up Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson as a direct replacement, with a £65 million deal pending following his medical on Thursday. The relationship between Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was seen as key to closing the Mbaye deal. Liverpool had also explored a move for the player this summer.
How does this fit Villa's transfer window?
This has been a summer of dramatic change at Villa Park. The club has sold several key players, including Morgan Rogers in a club-record £117 million move to Chelsea, as well as Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne. Emiliano Martinez also looks set to depart.
Incoming players, aside from Mbaye and the expected arrival of Jackson, include Alejandro Garnacho on a season-long loan from Chelsea, Johan Manzambi, Leon Goretzka, Joao Gomes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Matteo Ruggeri. You can view the evolving squad on our squad page.
Unai Emery acknowledged the turnover ahead of the Arsenal match. Speaking about Watkins, he said: "Watkins said sorry after Brighton. He made a mistake. He always had good behaviour in the club and with me." On the incoming Jackson, Emery added: "Now it's a new chapter with Nicolas Jackson. Of course, all the best for him in Saudi. We are replacing him."
What happens next for Villa?
With the transfer deadline set for September 1, Villa's focus will shift to integrating new signings and improving results on the pitch. The signing of Mbaye represents a significant investment in a high-potential player who can contribute immediately. The club's current league standing, three points behind leaders Brighton, underscores the need for a quick turnaround. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings and look ahead to upcoming matches on our fixtures page. The immediate task is to prepare for the visit of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side.
