Big outlay, but is PSG’s squad really better? PSG’s transfer verdict 🤔 | OneFootball

PSG equipped for the three-peat?

After a particularly eventful summer, the transfer window finally closed on Tuesday evening.

So now it’s time to take stock of PSG’s transfer market, marked by numerous departures, huge sales, and a few arrivals mainly aimed at refreshing a bench that needed some fresh blood.

Initial needs

Unlike many European clubs, PSG was not forced to sell this summer.

With a solid financial situation, Paris could approach the transfer window with more peace of mind than most of its rivals. But the management’s priority lay elsewhere: renewing part of its bench.

Several players used in backup roles wanted to leave, such as Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, Kang-In Lee, and Gonçalo Ramos. The goal was therefore to replace these players while also bringing more competition into the squad.

In short, PSG was not necessarily looking to overhaul its starting eleven, but to improve its squad depth and have more options behind its regular starters.

Arrivals

And to do that, Paris went for several different profiles!

Maghnes Akliouche arrived from Monaco for 50 million euros, Ferran Torres left FC Barcelona for around 48.5 million, while Mika Godts joined the capital from Ajax for 45 million euros. Added to that are Lucas Digne, back at PSG, as well as Alessandro Longoni and Khalil Ayari.

On paper, PSG has therefore done a good job of refreshing its bench. Akliouche should bring creativity, Ferran Torres versatility and efficiency, while Godts looks more like a bet on potential. Digne, meanwhile, brings experience and an extra option at left-back.

Departures

And in this area, Paris was simply exceptional.

PSG sold very, very, very well.

Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, Kang-in Lee, Randal Kolo Muani, and Ibrahim Mbaye brought in considerable sums for the club.

In total, Paris completed a historic transfer window in terms of departures, with a particularly impressive balance: +182 million euros!

So it’s hard to criticize the Parisian management in any way on this point. The players who had become secondary options were valued to the fullest. A real masterstroke!

Outlook for the season

But now, it’s time for the pitch to do the talking.

Has PSG really improved? Can Mika Godts reach Bradley Barcola’s level? Can Maghnes Akliouche accept a backup role as easily as Kang-in Lee did? And can Ferran Torres be as clinical as Gonçalo Ramos?

Those are the major issues facing Paris in the coming weeks!

Our rating: 6/10

6/10. Because Paris had an absolutely remarkable transfer window when it comes to departures. The sales were excellent and allow the club to keep pushing its project forward while refreshing the squad.

But to truly judge this transfer window, we’ll have to wait. Akliouche, Ferran Torres, Godts, and Digne now have the responsibility of making people forget those who left.

Paris sold very well. Now it remains to be seen whether it also recruited very well.

📸 GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT - AFP or licensors

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 ALAIN JOCARD - AFP or licensors