Paris Saint-Germain have not been as busy as many people expected them to be post-Kylian Mbappe but head coach Luis Enrique was clear last season when he said that he was building Les Parisiens towards a future without the French superstar. That work done by the Spanish tactician has paid off with the Ligue 1 champions not boasting too many visible changes to their starting XI outside of the summer additions of Joao Neves and Willian Pacho. However, the injury to Goncalo Ramos in the opening win over Havre AC could change that and increase the need for some late Paris activity as a number of senior figures are expected to exit Parc des Princes over the next 24-48 hours.
We take a look at the main names to keep an eye on between now and Friday’s transfer deadline.
Potential sales
Manuel Ugarte: After a long summer, an agreement between PSG and Manchester United has been reached so this is one to expect to see confirmed fairly soon. The Uruguay international is a tough tackling midfielder who will bring renewed feistiness to Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils’ side. Ugarte, 23, lacks the sort of technical prowess that Neves has brought and Luis Enrique rarely relied upon the South American last campaign. Turning a small profit with a healthy percentage of any future move is also good business from the French giants who can use those transfer funds and salary elsewhere — notably further forward.
Carlos Soler: Also expected to be taken off the books shortly should be the Spain international who is close to a move to join West Ham United. Soler, 27, has been linked with the Premier League all summer as Aston Villa, as well as Brighton and Hove Albion, had their names associated with the former Valencia CF man before the hammers emerged as favorites. Only really used as a utility man under Luis Enrique, Soler has struggled to truly make an impact in Paris and his anticipated exit could contribute towards another sizable reduction from the wage bill as well as the recovery of valuable transfer funds for use in other positions.
Nordi Mukiele: Another move rapidly coming to fruition should see Bayer Leverkusen sign the versatile French defender who previously starred for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Mukiele is still just 26 but offers an option in multiple positions which appeals to Xabi Alonso. Although only expected to be an initial loan deal, the German champions are gearing up for a shot at the UEFA Champions League and need players to rotate with the potential to become starters. It has not quite worked out for Mukiele upon his return to Paris despite some promising moments and a return to Germany could help to relaunch him.
Milan Skriniar: One difficult year after joining from Inter and the Slovakia international could already be on the move with Al Nassr keen to take him to Saudi Arabia. After a complicated and injury-impacted debut term for Skriniar, PSG would be willing to let him go for a fee having signed him as a free agent from the Italian champions just last summer. Still only 29, it could be a coup for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates while also representing strong business sense for the French giants who could use that money on a versatile defender or an attacking reinforcement. Given that the Saudi transfer window does not close at the same time as the European one, this is not yet a burning priority either.
Danilo Pereira: The versatile Portugal international is well-liked and considered an influential senior figure for PSG but that ability to play in defensive midfield and central defense holds less water with Luis Enrique. Now 32, it is the moment for one last potential move and there are options for the former FC Porto man with AS Monaco interested in keeping him in the French topflight while a Saudi move with Skrinar is also an option with Al-Ittihad having made a move for Danilo. Should Paris not wish to allow Les Monegasques to strengthen, the Saudi window would still be open for business so this one might not necessarily get decided this week either.
Potential signings
Defense: PSG look very well stocked in midfield with new gem Neves alongside the impressive Vitinha, homegrown wonderkid Warren Zaire-Emery, UEFA Euro 2024 standout Fabian Ruiz, new arrival Desire Doue and the versatile Kang-in Lee. However, such depth has been problematic in defense and multi-faceted player profiles such as Lutsharel Geertruida of Feyenoord have been of interest. The Netherlands international has been close to Aston Villa this summer but is yet to have officially moved while PSG’s main full-back of interest was Stade Brestois 29’s Bradley Locko until an unfortunate long-term injury ruined those plans. Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez are nowhere near returns so ideally a versatile wingback who can play on one or both sides as well as centrally would be useful — hence the Geertruida interest.
Attack: An exciting and versatile attacking profile could also be of interest to Les Parisiens which is why United’s Jadon Sancho should not be totally ruled out at this stage. A focal point like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is unlikely given Luis Enrique’s style and struggle to accommodate the injured Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani at the same time as Mbappe. The Nigerian would be a return to that sort of power struggle while PSG’s start to this campaign has seen Bradley Barcola thriving out wide — which needs to remain the case — as well as Lee getting game time and scoring on top of Marco Asensio being used as a false nine now that Ramos is hurt. It does feel like PSG are perhaps two versatile players short of being a very competitive side after last year’s domestic double and strong UEFA Champions League run.
