PSG got into the quarterfinals of RO16 of UCL thanks to a brace scored by Kylian Mbappé. However, with Mbappé set to leave PSG at the end of this season, how can PSG replace their star?
PSG’s Star: #KM7
On 31 August, 2017, Paris Saint-Germain made a significant move by signing Kylian Mbappé from Monaco on loan, with an obligation to purchase him for €180 million. At that time, PSG had hoped that a Neymar-Mbappé partnership would be enough to secure the UEFA Champions League trophy, which had eluded the club despite coming close several times. Mbappé, who was only 18 years old at the time, had already made a name for himself as one of the most promising young talents in football.
Since then, Mbappé has been a crucial player for PSG, scoring 40 goals and helping the team reach the finals once. He has been the driving force behind the club’s success in recent years and has become the face of the club and the league.
However, last year, when his move to Real Madrid seemed inevitable, PSG offered him a massive contract with clauses such as a loyalty bonus to keep him at the club. PSG also let go of Neymar and Messi and signed his friends Ousmane Dembélé and Randal Kolo Muani to keep him happy in Paris for a long time.
Mbappé’s contribution to PSG’s success cannot be overstated. While PSG has been able to dominate domestically, winning the Ligue 1 title consistently, their failure to win the Champions League has been a major disappointment. Mbappé has always been the main man at PSG, and his departure would undoubtedly hurt the club’s chances of winning the much-coveted trophy.
Losing him would not only dent the project and the value of the league but also raise questions about whether PSG will suffer a setback similar to the one Barcelona faced when Messi left the team.
Osimhen: The best-placed option
When Mbappé leaves PSG, the team will miss his ability to turn important games in their favor by scoring goals or creating goal-scoring opportunities in crucial moments. Mbappé’s exceptional dribbling skills will be hard to replicate, but Bradley Barcola has shown that he can be a capable attacking outlet on the left side.
Luis Enrique, the coach, has moved Mbappé to the striker position, where PSG is already stacked with Kolo Muani and Gonçalo Ramos. However, to achieve the level of quality required to win the Champions League, PSG needs an elite striker, which is guaranteed with the arrival of Osimhen. A sharpshooter with brilliant movement, positioning, speed, and strength to hold off defenders, Napoli’s Osimhen is a force to be reckoned with. His brilliant performance on the field has been a game-changer for the team.
In a recent match against Barcelona, he scored an incredible goal to help his team equalize. His partnership with Kvaratshelia at Napoli is a further testament to what PSG wants from their attack: fast transitions and wingers linking up with the striker. Money will not be an issue for PSG, but convincing Osimhen to play for PSG and fend off interests from Premier League clubs will be tough.
Attack Wins Games, Defence Wins Titles
Improving defence is the most effective way to replace an attacker. PSG has struggled to maintain a stable defence over the years, which has been a significant obstacle in their quest to win the UCL. However, Barcelona and Arsenal have demonstrated that having an inexperienced and untested attack can be compensated for by being excellent defensively and conceding fewer goals. Arteta’s OOP structure have been praised by many experts.
Donnarumma has not met the high expectations set for him and has conceded goals due to silly mistakes. If PSG improves its defence by adding players like Leny Yoro, they will be able to compensate for Mbappé’s absence. Gabriel Moscardo and Lucas Beraldo are excellent signings that will enhance the team’s defensive structure and will undoubtedly shoulder significant responsibilities next season.
Overall, PSG has a strong squad, but it will be intriguing to see how their attack performs in the upcoming season.
Wow…..what a brilliant articulation