Aston Villa have officially completed the signing of Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth €55m.
The 18-year-old has ended an eight-year association with the French champions to begin a new chapter in the Premier League with Aston Villa.
Mbaye came through PSG’s academy after joining the club at the age of 10 and gradually progressed through the ranks before establishing himself in the first team.
PSG confirmed the departure of the teenager after he completed his move to the English club.
“Arriving at Paris Saint-Germain at the age of ten, Ibrahim Mbaye leaves the Club after eight seasons, during which he climbed the various ranks to establish himself with the first team and win 8 trophies. The 18-year-old forward now joins Aston Villa FC as part of a permanent transfer.” PSG posted
Mbaye’s departure brings an end to a period in which he developed from an academy player into a senior member of the PSG squad.
He played 30 matches for the club last season and scored three goals, performances which helped attract interest from several leading European sides.
Liverpool had also made progress in their pursuit of the Senegalese winger, but the proposed move did not ultimately go through.
The English club did not agree to PSG’s financial demands, with the French side initially seeking €70m for the youngster.
Aston Villa eventually won the race and secured Mbaye’s signature, giving the Senegal international the chance to continue his development in England.
The transfer represents a major step in the young winger’s career and places him in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues at only 18.
The financial details of the agreement also include additional payments. PSG value the overall deal at €60m, while Aston Villa have agreed to pay €1m in solidarity payments. The French champions also retain a guaranteed €4m sell-on clause.
For PSG, Mbaye’s departure continues a transfer window in which the club has generated significant income through player sales.
For Senegal, the move provides another opportunity for a young international to develop at a high level in European football.
Mbaye has already gained first-team experience despite his age, having made 30 appearances for PSG last season.
His three goals during that campaign helped underline the attacking potential that attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
His move to Aston Villa now gives him the opportunity to take on a new challenge away from the environment in which he developed.
