LIGUE 1
Who could PSG sign to replace Mbappé? Salah, Osimhen, Silva...
In France a number of names are already circulating, with the current superstar having confirmed his end of season departure.
The only positive aspect of Paris Saint-Germain already knowing what Kylian Mbappé will do next season, i.e. not continuing in Paris, is that the club now has ample room to shape the project for the upcoming summer market. The Parisian outfit didn’t want the decision to linger on until May, as it did two years ago, in order to plan without the presence of the French international. So, as news emerged on Thursday that the forward had informed the president, Nasser Al Khelaïfi, on Tuesday morning that he wouldn’t be extending his contract in the French capital, thoughts quickly turned to replacements.
PSG plan for life without Mbappé
Now, Paris Saint-Germain must tackle the most difficult task: finding that player, which seems to many as impossible – unless they could somehow convince Erling Haaland – and building a competitive team for the years to come. The club remains confident, however, and doesn’t view his departure as a tragedy. Those in charge remain committed to the continuity of the project initiated last year, following the departures of Neymar, Messi, and Ramos, which focused on recruiting young talents, prioritizing French players (including Zaïre-Emery, the gem of the academy), and moving away from the galáctico signings that illuminated Paris for over a decade.
Osimhen: in demand with connections
The first name circulating in France is Victor Osimhen. The 26-year-old forward was signed by Luis Campos, PSG’s current sporting advisor, for Lille, and wouldn’t be averse to returning to French football, as indicated by L’Équipe. However, competition for the Nigerian is fierce, with several suitors in the English Premier League, and he hasn’t hidden his desire to play there.
Two other names that are causing a stir at Barcelona are Gavi and De Jong, both players are highly regarded by Luis Enrique.
Salah or Silva: experience and likely available
Another player on the radar is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has been a long-standing dream for Qatar to expand the club’s image in the Middle East. With a contract until 2025, the Liverpool forward could pack his bags in the summer after failing to reach an agreement on his renewal. Saudi Arabia, which has him as a target, emerges as a strong competitor, offering financial conditions that could surpass those offered by PSG. But Ligue 1 and Champions League will maintain his sporting integrity.
Bernardo Silva is yet another option being considered by PSG’s sporting management to try to compensate for Mbappé's departure. Last season, during the summer transfer window, Luis Campos, who also signed him along with Osimhen, but for Monaco, explored his acquisition, but Manchester City demanded €150 million (c.$162m). Recently renewed, the Portuguese playmaker now has a €60 million (c.$65m) release clause, a figure more than feasible for the French club, which, according to reports, will save €200 million (c.$215m) gross without their current Frenchman on the books.
PSG’s other squad options
Others like Kimmich, Gavi, and Bruno Guimaraes are emerging as three players that PSG wants to strengthen their midfield. The German, with a contract until 2025, was previously approached by the club in winter during negotiations for Mukiele’s transfer, but Bayern remained firm in discussions. Gavi, whom Luis Enrique knows from his time with the national team, is a likely impossible dream, but PSG could leverage Barcelona’s financial situation to add pressure. Guimaraes is a preference of Luis Enrique, according to L’Équipe.
The French newspaper also highlights that PSG is immersed in the battle for Leny Yoro, a target for Real Madrid. The 18-year-old French defender has emerged as one of the most promising center-backs in European football, attracting interest from the continent’s top clubs. With a contract until 2025, the proximity between Jorge Mendes and Luis Campos could play a key role in tipping the scales in favor of the French team, although Lille is reluctant to sell due to the strained relationship between Olivier Letang and Campos.
PSG has plenty of time to build a competitive team to partially, because completely is impossible, compensate for Kylian Mbappé's departure in June. If Qatar has shown anything in recent years, it’s that it knows how to counter when one of its stars leaves. However, the project is now different, focusing on strengthening the collective rather than attracting big stars that require exorbitant sums of money. Paris enters a new dimension without its star, its prodigy, the forward who has been the focal point of football in the last five years.