Super agent Jorge Mendes played a role in stopping Aston Villa from signing a PSG sensation who wanted to join them, according to reports out of France.
Some of Villa’s recruitment under Unai Emery has been built around identifying elite young talent, and Ibrahim Mbaye is another player who appeared destined to fit that profile before events behind the scenes took him in a different direction.
Mbaye’s reputation has exploded over the past year despite still being only 18.
Widely regarded as one of the brightest attacking prospects to emerge from PSG’s academy in recent seasons, the winger has already shown he belongs at the highest level.
Luis Enrique gradually integrated him into PSG’s senior squad, trusting him in Ligue 1 and Europe as he continued his development alongside some of the world’s best players.
The teenager’s performances justified that faith.
Mbaye made more than 30 first-team appearances across all competitions last term, all while impressing with his fearless dribbling, acceleration and willingness to take on experienced defenders.
Comfortable on either wing, he repeatedly demonstrated the confidence and technical quality that have made him one of the most coveted young forwards in European football.
After committing his international future to Senegal, Mbaye immediately caught the attention of head coach Pape Thiaw, who famously described the youngster as a “phenomenon”.
Such praise reflected not only his obvious talent but also the excitement surrounding his potential.
Mbaye is already viewed as one of Senegal’s next generation of attacking stars, with many expecting him to become a regular fixture for the national team for years to come.
However, his future at PSG has become increasingly uncertain.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
This information is from Romain Molina, one of France’s best-known investigative football journalists, recognised for his extensive network of contacts and detailed reporting on French football. |
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Finances |
Recent reports have indicated PSG value Mbaye at around£43 million, reflecting both his contract length and enormous potential. Despite uncertainty surrounding his future, the French champions remain in a strong negotiating position and are unlikely to sanction any sale below their valuation. |
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Insight |
Mbaye is an explosive wide forward who enjoys attacking defenders directly, and is capable of playing across the front line. He has also already shown the personality required to compete for places in one of Europe’s strongest squads. |
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Impact |
Mbaye would have been an ideal addition to Emery’s project thanks to his pace, technical quality and enormous ceiling. Although Villa ultimately secured Garnacho instead, the PSG teenager possesses the attributes to thrive in the Premier League and could remain a player worth monitoring in future windows. |
According to reports from France, tensions have grown between the player and the club in recent months amid concerns over his inner circle, his development and his relationship with senior figures at the Parc des Princes.
That has inevitably alerted several Premier League clubs, all of whom recognise the opportunity that could emerge if PSG eventually become willing to sanction a sale.
One of those clubs was Aston Villa.
Ibrahim Mbaye wanted Aston Villa move before Alejandro Garnacho deal
Investigative journalist Romain Molina reports that Mbaye expressed a desire to join Villa before they put pen to paper on a loan deal for Alejandro Garnacho.
Yet, the move never materialised after the teenager changed representation and joined Mendes’ agency.
Molina claims Mendes instead facilitated Aston Villa’s move for Garnacho, effectively closing the door on Mbaye’s preferred destination despite the player’s apparent interest in making the switch to Villa Park.
It is a fascinating twist in one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer stories.
Villa have consistently targeted young players capable of developing into elite performers, making Mbaye an obvious fit for Emery’s long-term vision.
Instead, the club strengthened their attack by completing a deal for Garnacho, another highly-rated young winger with significant Premier League experience, but mixed form last term.
Whether Villa return for Mbaye in the future remains to be seen.
If relations between the player and PSG continue to deteriorate, interest from across Europe is only likely to intensify. For now, though, circumstances away from the pitch appear to have altered Mbaye’s direction.