Aston Villa is pushing to land one of European football’s most coveted young talents, with the club in advanced discussions to sign Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain. If completed, the transfer would represent one of Villa’s biggest-ever signings and a significant statement of intent from the Birmingham club.
Mbaye, who turned 18 in January, has been one of the breakout stories of the 2025-26 season. The Trappes-born winger of Senegalese descent made history at the 2026 World Cup by becoming the youngest African goalscorer in the tournament’s history, a moment that instantly elevated his profile from “promising PSG academy product” to “transfer target for half the Premier League.”
A bidding war takes shape
Villa’s interest in Mbaye stretches back to at least May 2026, when initial reports placed his valuation at around €40M. That number climbed steadily as the summer progressed. By mid-summer, the price tag had risen to roughly €50M, fueled by competition from Liverpool and Newcastle, both of whom have been tracking the teenager.
Liverpool, in particular, appeared to be a serious contender. Reports surfaced in mid-August suggesting the Merseyside club had agreed personal terms with Mbaye on a five-year contract, though some sources have contested that characterization.
