Ibrahim Mbaye reaches agreement with PSG to leave as Man City host Aston Villa
Manchester City have now entered the race to usurp Aston Villa for Paris Saint-Germain player Ibrahim Mbaye.
PSG are open to offloading the 18-year-old this summer, if they can get £34m – £43m, as the reigning European champions already have a star-studded forward line.
He said that despite his age, Mbaye has started working in the first team of PSG, scoring three goals and two assists in 24 Ligue 1 games last season, after being highly praised by scout Ben Mattinson.
“Ibrahim Mbaye follows Mayulu. He is two years younger but he is breaking into the team. He is a winger who plays for any other team and is different in his game. He is not just the type to play players often but he has a decent game with the ball. With the speed of electricity, Mbaye can create separation from his marker very quickly.”
During his time with PSG, the youngster has been seen more as a right winger, a position that Man City may need to strengthen, as Tottenham Hotspur remain in ongoing talks to sign Savinho.
Bernardo Silva has already left the Etihad Stadium, joining Real Madrid, increasing the need for new manager Enzo Maresca to strengthen his attacking options.
Ibrahim Mbaye’s stance on leaving PSG this summer
Reporter Santi Aouna reported that Mbaye wants to leave PSG this summer, and Man City are now joining the race for his signature along with Tottenham Hotspur and Villa, who have been the frontrunners so far.
With PSG open to cash, a deal could be done, but there will be competition from ‘several big European clubs’, including Borussia Dortmund.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato released the news that Man City is interested in Mbaye, which shows that he is reliable, as he is a respected reporter of player exchanges. With Savinho getting just 821 minutes of game time in the Premier League last season, it may be wise for Maresca to invest this summer. |
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Finance |
A £60m price tag has been suggested for Savinho, which would more than fund a move for the PSG midfielder, who is valued at £34m – £43m. |
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Understanding |
Despite success at club level, the Senegalese striker has started to make a difference in his country, scoring four goals in 15 games. In the World Cup, he scored a goal in the opening game of Senegal, which was defeated by France 3-1. |
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Impact |
Since Mbaye is a right midfielder, he may replace Savinho. However, considering that PSG’s ace is still young, he may not be a regular starter right away, and could be used interchangeably with Antoine Semenyo. |
Man City are also keen to sign the striker
City are not satisfied with strengthening their hand on the right side, and are also looking for a new striker. Negotiations have been held regarding the contract of Bayern Munich star and England captain Harry Kane.
Kane’s future is in doubt, as he only has one year left on his contract with Bayern, although the German club are still confident of extending his stay at the Allianz Arena.
