Deadline-Day Double Signing
Aston Villa complete a £76 million deadline-day double signing of Ibrahim Mbaye and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
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Key Points
1
Hull City sign Ilyas Ansah from Union Berlin on deadline day.
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On deadline day, Arsenal's Fabio Vieira joined Hamburg on loan and Chelsea's Marc Guiu moved to RB Leipzig.
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Mbaye's deal with Aston Villa is €55 million plus up to €5 million in add-ons on a five-year contract with an option for a sixth.
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Mbaye became the youngest player to start a Ligue 1 match at 16 years, 6 months and 23 days.
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Harwood-Bellis is Roy Keane's son-in-law, a Manchester City academy graduate who made 134 Southampton appearances after a productive Burnley loan.
Aston Villa secured a £76 million double signing on deadline day, adding young winger Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain and defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton. WTOP News reported that Mbaye's move is part of a €55 million deal (£47 million) plus up to €5 million in add-ons on a five-year contract. Harwood-Bellis, a 24-year-old defender, joined for up to £29 million as Villa reshapes its squad under manager Unai Emery.
The signings reflect Villa's aggressive transfer strategy this summer. Mbaye, an 18-year-old Senegal international, becomes one of Europe's hottest young talents after breaking Ligue 1 records at PSG. Harwood-Bellis, a Manchester City academy graduate, brings Premier League experience after 134 appearances for Southampton and loan success at Burnley.
From PSG Prospect to Villa Winger
Ibrahim Mbaye's move to Aston Villa marks a major coup for the English club. WTOP News noted that PSG cashed in on the teenager as part of a €460 million summer sell-off. The young winger made history at PSG by becoming the youngest player to start a Ligue 1 match at just 16 years, 6 months and 23 days.
Mbaye's five-year contract with Villa includes an optional sixth year, signaling the club's long-term belief in his potential. The deal's structure — with significant add-ons — reflects his status as one of European football's emerging stars. Villa needed attacking reinforcement after summer changes to their squad.
City Academy Product Strengthens Villa's Defence
Taylor Harwood-Bellis brings proven English football experience to Villa's back line. The 24-year-old Manchester City academy product made 134 competitive appearances for Southampton before his move. A loan spell at Burnley demonstrated his Premier League readiness and tactical versatility.
Harwood-Bellis is the son-in-law of Manchester United legend Roy Keane, adding senior leadership to Villa's defence. His arrival addresses Villa's need to rebuild after several key departures. The defender strengthens Emery's squad depth as the club pursues top-four ambitions.
PSG's £460 Million Summer Overhaul Continues
WTOP News highlighted that Mbaye's departure is part of Paris Saint-Germain's massive €460 million summer transfer purge. The French club has shifted from being a big spender to a major seller, generating significant revenue through player sales. This strategic pivot reflects PSG's new financial direction under recent ownership changes.
PSG's summer overhaul has impacted multiple clubs across Europe. The club's willingness to sell young talent at premium prices shows its commitment to financial restructuring. Mbaye becomes one of several high-profile departures from the Ligue 1 champions this transfer window.
Villa's Deadline Day Activity Amid League-Wide Moves
Aston Villa's double signing comes amid frantic deadline-day activity across English football. Hull City signed Ilyas Ansah from Union Berlin, while Arsenal loaned Fabio Vieira to Hamburg. Chelsea sent Marc Guiu to RB Leipzig, highlighting the widespread squad reshaping happening across top clubs.
Manager Unai Emery's transfer strategy positions Villa for a competitive season ahead. The £76 million investment in Mbaye and Harwood-Bellis signals ambition despite summer player departures. Both signings address specific squad needs: attacking depth and defensive stability.
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