Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is ushering in a new chapter following Kylian Mbappe’s departure, with the French champions maintaining a subdued approach as they prepare for life without their star forward. Mbappe, who moved to Real Madrid after his contract expired in June, leaves behind an illustrious legacy at PSG, having scored a record 256 goals during his seven-year tenure. His exit creates a significant void, one that PSG seems to have decided cannot be filled by any single player.
As Coach Luis Enrique leads the team into their first match of the new Ligue 1 season against Le Havre on Friday, the club has yet to make a high-profile signing to directly replace Mbappe. Despite this, PSG has been active in the transfer market, spending an estimated 125 million euros ($132.2 million) on three key players, though a move for a top-tier striker before the transfer window closes remains possible.
Among their new recruits is 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves, signed from Benfica for 59.9 million euros, potentially rising with bonuses. The defense has been bolstered by the addition of 22-year-old Ecuadorian center-back Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt for up to 45 million euros. Additionally, Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, 25, from Krasnodar, has joined for a reported 20 million euros, providing competition for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Although Mbappe is irreplaceable, PSG has retained the core of last season’s team and integrated teenage Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Moscardo, who was signed from Corinthians in January but remained on loan there for six months. French internationals Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola are expected to build on last season’s performances, while the club hopes Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos, who scored 23 goals between them last season, will help mitigate Mbappe’s absence.
The era of signing veteran superstars like Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos appears to be over, with captain Marquinhos, 30, likely being the oldest regular starter. This summer’s only notable figure posing with a PSG jersey alongside president Nasser al-Khelaifi was NBA star Kevin Durant, who has invested in the club.
Luis Enrique acknowledged in May that replacing Mbappe with one player is impossible, emphasizing the need for the entire team, possibly supported by several new signings, to step up.
PSG’s transfer activities are likely not finished, but for now, they are easing into the season. The club has also had a low-key pre-season, foregoing an extensive tour in favor of training at their base near Paris. They have played only two friendlies, drawing against Sturm Graz in Austria and RB Leipzig in Germany.
Luis Enrique likely opted for fewer matches due to the late return of many players who participated in Euro 2024, the Copa America, or the Olympics. The goal is to have the team in peak condition for the start of the Champions League in September, by which time a new attacking player may be added to the roster.
