Aston Villa have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that the two clubs have come to terms on a deal worth €55million (£47m) for the 18-year-old Senegal international, who established himself in PSG’s first team last season.
Having made 12 appearances and scored one goal in 2024-25, the PSG academy product played in 29 games in all competitions last season, scoring three goals, one of which came in the 2-0 win over Lens that sealed the Ligue 1 title for Luis Enrique’s men.
Mbaye also found the net for Senegal against France at this summer’s World Cup, which the Lions of Teranga exited in the round of 32.
He was an unused substitute as PSG came from behind to beat Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup this month, winning that competition for a second successive year.
Now Mbaye will leave PSG having won two Ligue 1 titles, two Champions League crowns, the Coupe de France and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
His arrival will give Villa a versatile option on the flanks, with Mbaye able to play on both the right and the left. Villa had shown interest in signing Rafael Leao from AC Milan, but the Portugal international is instead closing in on a move to Galatasaray.
Mbaye’s signing will take the number of Villa additions up to 10 in a transfer window that has seen much of the team that finished fourth in the Premier League and won the Europa League last season dismantled.
Villa have seen Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne leave the club, with goalkeeper Emi Martinez set to join Chelsea and striker Ollie Watkins poised to make the move to Saudi side Al Hilal. Watkins is set to be replaced by Nicolas Jackson, who has agreed to join Villa from Chelsea.
Villa boss reveals emotional Watkins farewell
Despite Watkins refusing to play in Villa’s 4-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion last Sunday, manager Unai Emery revealed he said an emotional goodbye to the England international this week.
“I can tell you now Watkins, his commitment and his behaviour was fantastic,” said Emery ahead of Monday’s clash with Arsenal.
“We didn’t get a deal to finish his last match playing at Brighton, but he told us after the match he was sorry and he told us as well he made a mistake.
“He was wrong but we accepted it. The players as well because he always had very good behaviour and commitment with the club, with us and with me.
“For me, it’s a fantastic guy, a fantastic guy even more than a player. I told him bye with a huge hug and with small tears.
“But now it’s a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson and we replace him.”
