Aston Villa: three assists in three starts, Ibrahim Mbaye finding his feet

21.10.26 FT Champions League

Aston Villa

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Viking

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Ibrahim Mbaye is beginning to justify Aston Villa’s investment since arriving from PSG this summer. The Senegal international has provided three assists in his first three starts for the English club, two of them in the Champions League.

Ibrahim Mbaye stood out once again on Wednesday, October 21, against Viking FK. At Villa Park, the Senegalese winger delivered a corner onto the head of Ross Barkley, who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Aston Villa won 3-1 to claim a third consecutive victory in the Champions League.

This latest assist confirms the young forward’s strong start to the season in his new colours. Before this match, he had already provided an assist against Fenerbahçe on the second matchday of the European competition, as well as against Coventry City in the English League Cup. Three starts, three assists: his first appearances in Unai Emery’s starting XI have been particularly productive.

From PSG to Aston Villa to take the next step

On September 1, Aston Villa officially completed the signing of Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG. According to Sky Sports, the transfer is worth around £47 million. The English club invested in an 18-year-old who had already gained significant experience at the highest level of European football.

Trained at Paris Saint-Germain, which he joined in 2018 at the age of 10, the Senegalese player progressed through to the first team. He made his Ligue 1 debut in August 2024, aged 16, becoming the youngest player to start a league match for the Parisian club.

His time in the French capital gave him the opportunity to experience major competitions. He made 42 appearances for PSG’s first team and won eight trophies, including two Champions League titles and two French league titles. During the 2025-2026 season, he scored three goals and provided two assists in 24 Ligue 1 appearances.

Three starts, three assists

At Aston Villa, Ibrahim Mbaye appears to be finding his feet quickly. His first home start against Fenerbahçe gave him the opportunity to make his mark on the European stage. Involved in the move for the opening goal, he then provided an assist for his team’s fifth goal in the 6-0 victory.

Against Viking FK, he once again showcased his quality from corner kicks. His delivery for Ross Barkley set Aston Villa on their way, before Emiliano Buendía extended the lead from the penalty spot and Henrik Heggheim scored an own goal.

With three assists in three starts, the young Senegalese player is already showing notable efficiency for someone discovering a new environment. These numbers are not yet enough to guarantee a regular place in Unai Emery’s starting XI, but they give him concrete reasons to continue his development.

At 18, Ibrahim Mbaye must now maintain this momentum over the coming matches. His early spell in England has already allowed him to make an impression both in the league and on the European stage, with an attacking contribution that has not gone unnoticed.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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