Aston Villa Pursuit of Rafael Leao Effectively over After Major Transfer Development
The 18-year-old winger is set to cost about £55 million, as Villa end their pursuit of Rafael Leão and target a long-term attacking option.
- On Friday, August 28, 2026, Aston Villa reached an agreement in principle to sign 18-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG in a deal worth £55 million.
- A strong personal relationship between Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi proved key to closing the agreement, as manager Unai Emery rebuilds his Europa League-winning squad.
- The £55 million outlay signals Villa has chosen Mbaye as their primary target, ending interest in Leao; manager Emery confirmed Friday that striker Ollie Watkins will join Al-Hilal.
- With uncertainty surrounding goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's future, bringing in fresh talent remains essential; Mbaye previously entertained other offers before Midlands negotiations reignited as deadline approached.
- Previously linked with Liverpool and excluded from recent PSG squads, the Senegalese winger joins Villa during a turbulent summer overhaul as the transfer deadline pushed long-running talks to completion.
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The young (18 years old) Senegalese international winger is very close to joining the Villans for an estimated amount of 55 million euros.
Aston Villa pursuit of Rafael Leao effectively over after major transfer development
Aston Villa’s pursuit of AC Milan star Rafael Leao has effectively been brought to an end following a major breakthrough in negotiations for Paris Saint-Germain starlet Ibrahim Mbaye.As revealed by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Villa have reached an agreement in principle to sign the 18-year-old winger in a deal worth €55 million (£46.5m). The strong personal relationship between PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiri…
Sky Sports
Great Yorkshire RadioIbrahim Mbaye transfer news: Aston Villa reach verbal agreement to sign PSG and Senegal forward
Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement to sign Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG; the Senegal international is a long-term target for Villa and wanted a move to a club where he would play regularly; Mbaye scored three goals and added two assists in 24 Ligue 1 appearances last season
After The Athletic, the PSG reached an agreement with a Premier League club for the transfer of Ibrahim Mbaye.
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