Ibrahim Mbaye: PSG Starlet Eyes Elite Move Amid Aston Villa Talks Stalling

Ibrahim Mbaye, the latest jewel off Paris Saint-Germain’s production line, has been steered firmly away from Aston Villa and towards the very top of the European game, with his camp actively offering him to both Liverpool and Manchester City.

The message from those around the teenager is clear: if he leaves PSG, it will be for a club that matches what they see as his ceiling – the absolute elite.

Villa talks stall as Mbaye aims higher

Aston Villa did more than just register interest. Discussions over a move had progressed to a serious stage, with the Premier League club keen to pounce on the opportunity to prise Mbaye away from Paris.

Then the brakes went on.

While there is a growing conviction within the player’s entourage that a departure from PSG would be the right call for his long-term development, they have pushed back against the idea of Villa Park as the next stop. For Mbaye’s representatives and family, the next club must not simply be a step up in minutes or responsibility; it has to mirror their belief that he belongs at the very highest level of the game.

They are convinced he can compete there. Immediately, and for years to come.

That stance has reshaped the market around him.

Liverpool and City sounded out

With Villa effectively ruled out, Mbaye’s camp have turned their attention to the game’s superpowers. His name has been put directly to Liverpool and Manchester City in recent days as part of a broader effort to find what they consider the “right sporting project” rather than the quickest exit route from Paris.

Both clubs know him. Both clubs like him.

Liverpool’s recruitment team have tracked his progress closely at PSG and are already working through a list of wide attacking options as Richard Hughes looks to arm Andoni Iraola with fresh firepower after Mohamed Salah’s departure. Mbaye fits the profile of a long-term attacking asset: young, high ceiling, schooled at one of Europe’s most demanding clubs.

Across the divide, Manchester City are also in the market for more attacking depth. Enzo Maresca has begun reshaping his squad and City have moved early in the window, with further reinforcements expected as they aim to keep their domestic and European dominance intact. Mbaye is on their radar, noted for his potential and versatility in the final third.

The admiration is real. The reality is harsher.

Not a priority – for now

For all the respect for Mbaye’s talent, neither Liverpool nor City currently see him as a leading target for the wing this summer.

Liverpool’s focus is fixed on Bradley Barcola, another PSG talent, who sits at the top of their list. The club continue to monitor several other high-profile options across Europe, keeping Mbaye in view but not at the front of the queue.

City’s stance is similar. They acknowledge his long-term potential and have him marked as one to watch, yet other attacking names sit ahead of him on their shortlist as they look for immediate-impact signings to sustain their title charge.

So Mbaye finds himself in a familiar modern position: good enough to be in the conversation at the very top, not yet established enough to be the first name on any list.

A fluid race for a prized prospect

The story is far from settled.

Those close to Mbaye insist they are not chasing the fastest deal or the biggest payday. They want a clear pathway, a club that can offer minutes, development, and a platform that matches the expectations around one of French football’s brightest young prospects.

Interest across Europe continues to build, and more talks are expected in the coming weeks as his camp weigh up their options and push for a project that feels right, not just glamorous.

Liverpool and City may not be ready to move yet. The question is how long they, or any of Europe’s elite, can afford to wait if Mbaye’s next step proves as explosive as his potential suggests.