Ibrahim Mbaye of PSG 17/05/2026 - France/Ile-de-France (region)/Paris - Julien Mattia/Le Pictorium Credit: LE PICTORIUM/Alamy Live News
Ibrahim Mbaye of PSG 17/05/2026 - France/Ile-de-France (region)/Paris - Julien Mattia/Le Pictorium Credit: LE PICTORIUM/Alamy Live News
Aston Villa have agreed a deal in principle for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who has been a target for Liverpool as they consider a number of options.
Liverpool made contact with Mbaye’s camp over a potential move at the beginning of August, with the 18-year-old one of many candidates for the right wing.
But with PSG‘s demands considered too high the Reds pivoted to alternative targets, with Brighton‘s Yankuba Minteh subject of two unsuccessful bids of £50 million and £60 million.
While Mbaye remained a possibility in the final days of the transfer window, Villa have now reached an agreement with PSG.
The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reports that the outline of a deal worth €55 million (£47.1m) has been agreed and the transfer is now in the process of being finalised.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - AUGUST 11: Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain trains during a Paris Saint-Germain Training Session prior to the UEFA Super Cup 2026 at Stadion Salzburg on August 11, 2026 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Leonhard Simon - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - AUGUST 11: Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain trains during a Paris Saint-Germain Training Session prior to the UEFA Super Cup 2026 at Stadion Salzburg on August 11, 2026 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Leonhard Simon - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Mbaye was expected to join Villa earlier in the summer, prior to their loan move for Alejandro Garnacho, only for interest from elsewhere to thwart any progress.
But with the transfer window due to close on Tuesday night, PSG and Villa were able to shake hands on a package aided by a strong relationship between club officials.
What it means for Liverpool is uncertain, as with the deal only agreed in principle there still remains a chance similar terms could be negotiated.
However, it seems more likely that alternatives will be pursued, with the door not closed on a move for Minteh despite Brighton‘s off-putting £80 million valuation.
Could Liverpool return with a new offer for Yankuba Minteh?
2XYPHHK FRANCEVILLE, GABON - JUNE 11: Yankuba Minteh of Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gabon and Gambia at Stade De Francevil
2XYPHHK FRANCEVILLE, GABON - JUNE 11: Yankuba Minteh of Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gabon and Gambia at Stade De Francevil
Though Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has maintained that he wishes to keep Minteh, the German was unable to rule out an exit before next week’s deadline, with the onus on Liverpool to present agreeable terms.
Minteh is currently sidelined with a leg injury and is considered open to joining Andoni Iraola‘s side after two seasons at the Amex.
Liverpool are still exploring other opportunities in the market, with an enquiry made for Crystal Palace‘s Ismaila Sarr earlier this week.
With a deal for PSG‘s Bradley Barcola also agreed in principle, the full focus will soon turn to the right wing, with Iraola outlining his non-negotiables in identifying the ideal signing.
“For a club like us we need wingers who can make the difference, who can be the man who can make the difference in isolation, who can attack the spaces,” he told reporters on Thursday.
“[But] also do the defensive work that we are going to demand from them in terms of pressing or sometimes following the full-backs.
“And also if they can provide numbers then it’s perfect.
“It is difficult to find someone who can tick all the boxes, but it is what we are trying to do.”
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CHICAGO, USA - Thursday, July 23, 2026: Liverpool's Josh Abe departs the team hotel in Chicago on day four of the club's pre-season tour of America. The team play friendly games in Nashville, New York and Chicago as they prepare for the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League season. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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