Aston Villa target Ibrahim Mbaye
Aston Villa target Ibrahim Mbaye
Aston Villa’s growing interest in Ibrahim Mbaye is now being backed up by reports from France, with the forward’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain starting to attract wider attention.
Aston Villa have made a habit of tracking young attackers across Europe. They tend to move when a pathway opens. In Mbaye’s case, that pathway may be forming due to his reduced role at Paris Saint-Germain.
The 18-year-old is highly rated internally in Paris. He is powerful, direct and tactically sharp for his age. Those traits make him a natural fit for Premier League football. However, his minutes have dropped at a key stage in his development.
That is where the current noise begins to build.
France backs Premier League interest
According to L’Équipe, Ibrahim Mbaye is expected to receive approaches this summer, with England highlighted as a likely destination.
The French outlet points out that his playing time has decreased significantly under Luis Enrique. That situation is already prompting questions about his short-term future.
Interest from the Premier League is not new. Clubs made contact in January, but PSG refused to entertain any discussions. Since then, the context has changed slightly, even if the club’s public stance remains firm.
Aston Villa are now among those positioning themselves. From their perspective, Mbaye represents a classic market opportunity. A young player, strong international momentum, but limited club exposure.
There have also been links to Manchester City. Reports suggested he visited their facilities, although his entourage has denied that claim. Even so, the level of interest around him is clear.
International form strengthens case
Ibrahim Mbaye’s performances with the Senegal national team continue to push his profile upwards.
He recently delivered a goal and an assist across matches against Peru and Gambia. That followed a promising Africa Cup of Nations campaign earlier this year. As a result, his international trajectory looks far more stable than his club role.
Luis Enrique has insisted the club still believes in him. He highlighted the confidence given to Mbaye and suggested his time will come. Still, the lack of minutes remains the key issue.
At 18, regular football often shapes the next step. Without it, even top prospects begin to look elsewhere.
A busy summer looms
Ibrahim Mbaye’s priority remains PSG. That has not changed publicly. However, L’Équipe’s reporting reinforces the idea that he is now watching the market more closely.
If his situation does not improve before the summer, Premier League clubs are likely to act quickly. Aston Villa already appear alert to that possibility.
For now, this remains early movement rather than a defined negotiation. Still, the combination of reduced minutes and external interest is starting to form a familiar transfer pattern.
Aston Villa have his transfer planned for the summer, excouraged by what is described as the player’s ‘meteoric rise’.
🇸🇳 Ibrahima Ba | Aston Villa express interest in signing 20-year-old defender – Face big Portuguese battlehttps://t.co/yWAOFmCoOg #avfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 31, 2026