PSG: Ibrahim Mbaye, an inevitable departure?
For several months, we remember more Ibrahim Mbaye with Senegal than with Paris Saint-Germain. Star with the Lions, plunged into a black hole among the people of Île-de-France. An intermitent season for the 18-year-old, who could question his future at the Parc des Princes.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Paris Saint-Germain secured their qualification for the semi-finals of the Champions League, beating Liverpool 2-0 on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Anfield. And once again, Ibrahim Mbaye attended the show from the sidelines. The 18-year-old prodigy has not played since 28 January in the Champions League, it was during the 8th day of the league phase against Newcastle, where he had 3 minutes of play. Yet, during the first part of the season, he had accumulated 98 minutes of play in C1, including a demonstration during the 2-1 victory on the pitch of FC Barcelona.
In Ligue 1, he has played only 5 times since his return from the AFCON 2025, his last appearance dating back to 21 March against Nice. A striking contrast with his resplendent form in the Senegal national team. In 10 caps, he has already scored 3 goals and delivered 5 assists since his debut at least in November (against 1 goal and 2 assists since the start of the season at PSG). During the month of March, he offered a goal against Peru, before scoring in front of Gambia.
Competition as an explanation
A situation that his coach, Luis Enrique, tried to explain.
"There are times when you’re more comfortable with your national team than with your club, but that doesn’t change anything about what we think of him; he can show his quality in Paris too."
Moreover, a much more obvious factor comes into play: competition. Indeed, Ibrahim Mbaye has to fight with executives like the Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola... Therefore, a reflection is necessary: should the Senegalese winger leave to gain some playing time and impose himself in the eyes of the world?
An inevitable departure?
Several French media are adamant: Ibrahim Mbaye should leave Paris this summer, but under what conditions? A loan could allow Paris Saint-Germain to keep control of its jewel. Nevertheless, several clubs are already knocking on the door for a transfer that could bring big profits to PSG. In England, Aston Villa is notably cited among the most credible tracks. German, Spanish and also Italian clubs are also in the ranks.
At 18, Ibrahim Mbaye has time. However, in the ruthless world of PSG, time is precisely what he is no longer given. A start could satisfy the different parties and allow the gem to shine.