Aston Villa sign Ibrahim Mbaye and Taylor Harwood-Bellis to rebuild key positions

Aston Villa have announced two signings that strengthen the squad for the new season: Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye, arriving from Paris Saint-Germain, and English centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, signed from Southampton. The deal for the young attacker has been completed for 55 million euros, around £47 million, while the defender could cost up to £29 million including add-ons. Both players go straight into Unai Emery's plans and could make their debuts on Saturday against Hull City.

• Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, joins from PSG for 55 million euros after progressing through the French club's academy.
• Taylor Harwood-Bellis arrives for £25 million up front plus £4 million in potential add-ons.
• Mbaye scored three goals and provided two assists in 31 appearances for PSG last season.
• Harwood-Bellis fills the gap left by Ezri Konsa's move to Arsenal.
• Villa reinforce their attack and defence after losing Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins.

How much Aston Villa paid for Mbaye and Harwood-Bellis

The fee for Ibrahim Mbaye is 55 million euros, roughly £47 million, a significant investment for an 18-year-old who has already shown his potential at the top level in France. For Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the Birmingham club are paying £25 million as an initial fee, with a further £4 million in potential add-ons taking the deal to £29 million. Southampton had rejected two previous bids before accepting the third, underlining Villa's determination to land the 24-year-old defender.

Ibrahim Mbaye's rise from PSG academy to the Premier League

Mbaye developed in the Paris Saint-Germain academy after joining from FC Versailles 78 in 2018, and made his senior debut in August 2024 at the age of 16. He played 31 matches in all competitions last season, scoring three goals and adding two assists as PSG defended their Ligue 1 and Champions League titles. His pace and ability to beat defenders on the wing give Emery a different attacking option.

Mbaye's World Cup breakthrough with Senegal

Despite his youth, Mbaye has already featured on the biggest international stage. He appeared in all four of Senegal's matches at the 2026 World Cup and scored in a 3-1 defeat against France, becoming the youngest African player to score at a men's World Cup. Born in France, he represented Les Bleus at youth level before switching to Senegal in 2025, qualifying through his father's nationality.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis: from Manchester City academy to Villa Park

Taylor Harwood-Bellis came through the Manchester City academy and built his reputation through loan spells before establishing himself. His 2022-23 season at Burnley ended with a Championship winner's medal, and a year later he helped Southampton earn promotion through the play-offs. That form convinced the south coast club to pay £20 million for him in 2024. He now takes another step in his career as he competes for a place in Villa's back line.

A difficult Southampton season and the Spygate controversy

In his first campaign as a Premier League defender, Harwood-Bellis experienced relegation as Southampton finished bottom of the table. The team responded the following season by reaching the Championship play-off final, but the ending was overshadowed by the Spygate scandal: the club were disqualified and began the current campaign with a four-point deduction. The centre-back apologised for making a binoculars gesture during the play-off semi-final second leg victory over Middlesbrough.

How Mbaye and Harwood-Bellis fit into Emery's Aston Villa

Mbaye joins an attacking line that has already welcomed Alejandro Garnacho, Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson in an ambitious summer for Villa. In defence, Harwood-Bellis arrives to replace Ezri Konsa, who moved to Arsenal for £55 million. Emery is losing important members of his squad but rebuilding with a blend of youth and experience designed to keep Villa competitive at the highest level.

The summer exits shaping Aston Villa's new project

Villa's summer investment also responds to the need to cover major departures. Morgan Rogers left for Chelsea in a £117 million move, Ezri Konsa joined Arsenal for £55 million and Ollie Watkins moved to Saudi side Al-Hilal for £51 million. Despite winning the Europa League, Aston Villa are undergoing a significant rebuild in several positions, and the arrivals of Mbaye and Harwood-Bellis are two of the most notable bets to balance the squad.