Interesting last season with Paris Saint-Germain where he played 30 matches for 3 goals and 2 assists, the young Ibrahim Mbaye (18 years old) showed strong qualities. Stirring, technical and fast, he notably made a name for himself in the selection with Senegal as a joker during the CAN 2025 and the 2026 World Cup. Taking on another dimension with the Lions of Téranga (18 caps, 5 goals), the native of Trappes had shone brightly. “Mbaye came on and put in a very good performance. Once again, he showed all his qualities. Every time he’s on the pitch, he brings something to the team.”underlined his former coach Pape Thiaw during the World Cup.
Under contract until June 2028 with Paris Saint-Germain, he had seen his relationship become strained with its leaders. From then on, his departure was in the pipeline with many suitors in the Premier League. Manchester City tried their luck, Liverpool even found a contractual agreement with him, but it was ultimately Aston Villa who won the bet. “I feel good. I’m happy to join this team and I hope it will be a good gaming experience. I’m happy. Aston Villa are a great team, they won the Europa League last year. I feel good and I hope it goes well», he announced to Villa TV upon his arrival.
Little playing time, but good entries
Signing for five years until June 2031 for a check for 55 million euros in a medium-long term development project, Ibrahim Mbaye knew that the competition was going to be tough. In the right lane, he has to deal with John McGinn and Alysson while Johan Manzambi, Alejandro Garnacho and George Hemmings play more on the left side. With thirteen summer recruits, Aston Villa had a turbulent start to the season and this led to a late start with a sixteenth place in the Premier League.
Nothing to worry about Unai Emery who expected it with players to develop like Ibrahim Mbaye. “Manzambi, after a long absence, is playing his first minutes, and Mbaye showed us his talent, threatening them on the left side. It’s their first game and I hope we can continue to develop these players and give them playing time.”explained the Basque coach after a 2-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest on September 12. Since then, Ibrahim Mbaye continues to try to add value to his minutes. Having played the last four matches for the Birmingham club, he has three appearances for a start in the League Cup against Coventry. A total of 123 minutes played which allowed us to glimpse some great things.
THE Birmingham Mailalso gave him a grade of B for his debut, which is promising given his short speaking time: “Mbaye’s performances so far have been encouraging. He won the corner which allowed Alysson to score against Forest, before providing an assist to Ross Barkley for the goal against Coventry. Recruited at a high price from PSG, this 18-year-old young man has undeniable talent and many years ahead of him to fully exploit his potential.» No worries at the moment with a process that takes time. Aston Villa are eager to see a little more of Ibrahim Mbaye’s talent.
