ESPN’s behind-the-scenes report describes the subtle situation facing the club ahead of the upcoming transfer window in Europe
This may be the summer that Paris Saint-Germain really needs. After a disappointing season, he regained the title Ligu1But fell to Real Madrid in the 16th round of the Champions League and were eliminated from the Coupe de France at home. NiceThe Paris team has reached an uncomfortable crossroads.
Some things need to change.
Qatar Sports Investment Bought the club 11 years ago, he has achieved a lot since taking over: they have won many trophies (eight of the last 10 league titles, six French trophies, six league trophies), and many great players have passed (Neymar, Killian Mbabane, Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi), The incredible rise of the PSG brand and many more. But, in a way, there are many disappointments: the lack of success in the Champions League (only two semi-finals in 10 seasons), the steady income of managers (Laurent Blanc, Unai Emery, Thomas Thuchel) And sometimes the difficult relationship between the club and its ultras.
It seems like a good time for those in charge to take decisive action and take the club on a more balanced and positive path. If Mbappé decides to quit and join it may be an automatic change The real Madrid. PSG are still hopeful they can keep their star for a while, but they will definitely miss him too. His contract expires at the end of June, and although he has had positive conversations with the club’s directors, it has not gone unnoticed that he was with his team-mates (and all former players) in Madrid this week. The real Madrid) Agraf Hakimi, Keeler Nawaz and Sergio Ramos.
If it sticks around, it will be fine: it will be the center of their formation around. However, if he goes, they will need another top-level deal and will need someone to lead the next phase of this project, which neither Lionel Messi nor Neymar can really do as they approach the end of their careers. Earling Holland is no longer an option as he has agreed to join Manchester City on July 1, sources said. ESPN What Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) and Mohamed Salah (negotiations for a new deal in Liverpool are not really progressing) will be on PSG’s radar if Mbappe comes to La Liga.
Of course, it is clear Lionel Messi and Neymar They will stay. The Argentine star needed time to adapt to a new life, a new club, a new football and a different character – to be more creative, to score less – but the expectations at the club should be better than his second season.
This is a different story for Brazilians. They have finished the season well with eight goals in their last eight games (in all competitions), but have been disappointing most of the season. The PSG I will ask for offers for it, but it is not possible for them to get interesting offers.
Bouquets Will be on the team next season as well, with the option to buy at the same time Nuno Mendes (60 million euros) has been implemented and its firm purchase will be finalized. Midfielder Marco Verdi Sources say he did not go anywhere ESPN Hakimi is happy in Paris and does not want to leave. By Georgino Vijnold Despite some disappointments in his supporting role earlier in the season, he should get another chance in the 2022-23 campaign.
As for the new deals, PSG has some goals in mind to strengthen the team and make it more competitive in Europe.
Aurelien Tchouameni He would be the perfect candidate to renew his midfield, but the baby is a miracle MonacoIt will cost 60 million euros, which may not be the first option. However, Paul PogbaWho is a free agent once contracted with Man UDT It is more likely in late June, and sources said ESPN The talks are going well. The French star is definitely looking forward to returning to the Paris where he grew up. PSG has already had several conversations with Ousmane Dembélé’s agent about Winger’s possible arrival. BarcelonaHe also ends his contract in the summer.
Another name of interest is Arnaud Danzuma. The Dutch striker was impressed Villarreal And he has the right age (25 years) and the right profile to strengthen the team, especially if Mbappé and / or leave Mauro Icardi. PSG needs right back and depth Nordi MugileWho concludes the contract Leipzig Next summer, that will be one of his goals, according to sources ESPN. He was born and raised in Paris and wanted to play for a club one day.
However, the most important business this summer is the player departure. LeonardPSG’s sports director said he was not good at signing players, and when rumors spread that he had left before the window opened, it was imperative that the club withdraw some money by reducing the squad.
Serious Angel de Maria He will leave when his contract expires in June, at the same time as the players want Julian Draxler and Keeler Navas (Both are linked with the club until June 2024) May leave to play more. 2022 World Cup. Senegal defender Abdo Diallo may be in a similar position, while the club is desperate to find a new club with full backs. Levine Kurzawa and Colin Takba. Young Edward Michud and Jr. Tina Epimbe They will also leave due to lack of first team opportunities.
Midfielder Leandro Paradise He left the contract in 2023 and is attracting the interest of teams in Italy. Defender Thilo Kehrer He is in the same position as when he returned to Germany (he was in Schalke from 2016 to 2018). There is also a question mark over the future of the midfielder. Idrissa Gueye, Has only one more year left on his current contract. In the line of attackers, it is not clear what will happen to Icardi. Argentina had a bad year: 13 starts, five goals and no assists in all competitions this season, but there are still two years left at the club. The club will ask for offers, but sources said ESPN They did not expect much interest in the 29-year-old.
Finally, a decision must be made about the coach and the director of athletics.
To Mauricio Pochettino, It is unknown whether he will be on the bench after failing to take this team to glory in Europe. However, if you can not find a suitable alternative to PSG – or can not believe Zinedine Zidane– Take, and get anywhere Antonio Conte, Diego Simeone or Joachim Lo– So. Pochettino Can be, almost “default”. He has one more year on the contract, but has told staff he will not fulfill it if he does not have more control over the club, including forming the first team and imposing his ideas. , Including those related to the player’s discipline.
All of the above leads to the game director, Leonard, And his future at the club. The Brazilian is a talented communicator, and he is now doing all he can, both personally and publicly, to sustain his work. If he is removed, something that appeared a few weeks ago Champions LeagueThe PSG A big fan Andrea BerthaDirector of Sports Atletico MadridY Michael EdwardsBefore LiverpoolEven with curiosity, the sources say ESPN.
The biggest problem, however Leonard Thing Pochettino It is also said that he did not want to continue working with him Zidane One. So he can leave even after the season is over.
