“We will be stronger next year.” Despite the announced departure of Kylian Mbappé, Luis Enrique approaches the future with optimism. Winner of the Champions Trophy and champion of France, semi-finalist of the Champions League too, PSG ends its Ligue 1 campaign this Sunday (9 p.m.), on the Metz field, during the multiplex of the 34th and final day . Even if there will still be one match to play, and not the least, the final of the Coupe de France on May 25 against Lyon, in Lille, the capital club is necessarily already looking to the future. And so the summer transfer window, with Luis Campos still in charge as announced by Le Figaro.
“It is a complex theme, which requires an individual and collective analysis of the team, in order to define what are the areas of progression, how many players will arrive, in what positions, the question of finances… There would be some material for 10 press conferences, and it is not yet the time to do this kind of analysis,” explained Luis Enrique in recent days. It was not the time, but the 53-year-old Spanish coach still provided this clarification: “But there will be reinforcements on each line, and it is also a message to the players who are currently in the squad . We will try to double all the positions, they will all have to fight for this position because it is hard to play for PSG. We will try to continue to play for all the trophies next season. Reinforcements at all positions automatically imply departures. Besides Mbappé, Keylor Navas and Layvin Kurzawa, certain starters, several elements are or could be in the hot seat. Which ?
Among the outfield players who have been available since the start of the season, with the exception of the young players, Nordi Mukiele and Carlos Soler are the two Parisians least used by Luis Enrique. Respectively 846 and 1,185 minutes, including 55 and 8 in the Champions League. Clearly, the former Spanish coach is not counting on them. And there’s no reason for that to change. “Of course it’s hard when you’re not playing… Afterwards, I try to work in training, stay very professional and help the team. It will be up to me not to give up. I was in a bit of a hole. But no one will be there to pick me up, I have to do it alone. I continue to work and I hope that one day the sun will rise,” Mukiele explained recently. A priori, it is above all twilight that awaits the ex-Montpellier in Paris. Both players are under contract until 2027. Start.
Also read: PSG: “I was in a bit of a hole,” admits Mukiele, hoping that “the sun will rise one day”
After Inter’s refusal in 2022, PSG recruited the Slovak rock last summer, free. And he played a lot at the start of the season. Without impressing. The opportunity for him to highlight… his slowness and faulty headwork. Has it recovered from its glitches from the previous season? Injured at the start of the year, while Lucas Beraldo arrived and Nuno Mendes returned, Milan Skriniar has in any case never regained his starting place, not over time and even less in C1. Enough to imagine it being pushed out this summer? Knowing that Paris did not have to pay transfer fees to recruit him, a sale would be a good deal. Skriniar is under contract until 2028. The injury to Lucas Hernandez could, however, encourage the Parisian leaders to be cautious at the hinge. When will Presnel Kimpembe be operational? Beraldo is here to stay. Marquinhos wants to stay. Let’s see what the leaders think. Good soldier, Danilo can help. His experience can do good, even if his profile does not make him a first option in the eyes of his trainer.
Marco Asensio played barely more than Soler (1,378 minutes). Certainly, he experienced some physical problems. And he was only left on the bench once during the C1 knockout phase, starting against Barcelona (2-3)… before being replaced at half-time. His teammates highlight his silky technique. However, its impact is limited. Luis Enrique might want a more reliable player in this false 9 role. For Fabian Ruiz, it’s different. The former Neapolitan played as a starter for most of the season, including in C1. Often good, even more regularly neutral, rarely excellent. Alongside Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery, PSG needs a strong man in the middle. If necessary, Ruiz would lose his starting stripes. And his place in the squad? Despite good finances, Paris will need income to recruit. Kang-in Lee? Not threatened.
Three players, three positions, three routes. Gonçalo Ramos struggled early in the season before scoring a lot as a “supersub”. Manuel Ugarte started very well before polishing the bench. Randal Kolo Muani lost his place in the 11 and his confidence as the campaign progressed. Three replacements at more than €230 million including bonus, that’s expensive per minute. Issue ? Ramos and Ugarte are not particularly suited to Luis Enrique’s game, especially the Uruguayan midfielder. Knowing this, it would perhaps be better not to delay in selling, so as not to lose too much in terms of market value… For Kolo Muani, it is different, already because it is a file “Made in Nasser Al -Khelaïfi”. Then, he is a French international, a player who we know is better than what he showed during his first season. Last but not least, no one will buy it at €95 million. Delicate… For Ousmane Demblélé, there is no more doubt than for Bradley Barcelona or the full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes.
Also read: Dembélé on post-Mbappé at PSG: “I hope we will be even stronger”
It’s no secret that Gigio Donnarumma is not brilliant in the kicking game. However, this is a prerequisite for Luis Enrique. Enough to see the status of the 25-year-old Italian international goalkeeper called into question next season? In the meantime, he is under contract until 2026, like Arnau Tenas. As we have said, Keylor Navas is leaving. He is at the end of his contract. Sergio Rico and Alexandre Letellier will also be free at the end of June. To see what the club intends to offer them… or not. Letellier is trained at the club, which is not negligible for a third goalkeeper with a view to the Champions League list. Under contract until 2026, Lucas Lavallée will return from his loan to Dunkirk (Ligue 2).