Six days from the end, Paris Saint-Germain is closing a season with a title almost acquired in Ligue 1 but above all a more than eventful year. The usual adventures in the Champions League were also accompanied by elimination in the Coupe de France and a weakened Christophe Galtier. Beyond an often annoying PSG on the pitch, the coach has been dogged by accusations of racism in recent weeks.
While waiting to find out who will be on the Paris bench for the 2023-2024 financial year, Luis Campos, the manager in charge of recruitment, is preparing his plans for this summer. Several names have already started filtering, Ligue 1 has talented players who match the colossal ambitions of the capital club. Here are five that could fill many gaps.
Kevin Dance – RC Lens
The powerful Austrian central defender is undoubtedly one of the most stunning elements in his position in our championship. Boss of the best defense in Ligue 1 this season (25 goals conceded), Kevin Danso was spotted in the German second division by the Lensois leaders, at Fortuna Düsseldorf.
Recruited for 5.5 million euros, he is now worth 40 million. If the Premier League eyes him given his athletic qualities, Danso would be a recruit of choice for a PSG looking to beef up their defense. With an aging Sergio Ramos, a Kimpembe injured for a long time to come and a faltering leadership Marquinhos, the Austrian international ticks all the boxes of an ideal rookie.
Jonathan David – Lille
PSG will activate this summer to take a number 9 of international caliber. Victor Osimhen (Naples) and Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt) are in the sights of Luis Campos but their price, which exceeds 100 million euros, could be a brake. In this perspective, the capital club could look a little further north towards Jonathan David who is having a remarkable third season with Losc.
The Canadian is in the fight (21 goals) with Kylian Mbappé and Alexandre Lacazette for the title of top scorer in Ligue 1. And in addition to his qualities as a finisher, he has already shown his sense of collective, with discounts and participation active in the game. Its price would be 65 million euros for this summer.
21 – Jonathan David has scored 21 goals after 32 Ligue 1 games 2022/23, only Jean Baratte (3 times) and Bolek Tempowski (1 time) have done better for Lille at this stage of a season in the top flight on the last 75 years. Goliath.
Kemhren Thuram – OGC Nice
If he is still an irregular player, the son of Lilian Thuram has proven that his talent was not usurped. Called for the first time in the France team last March by Didier Deschamps, his progress is straight. In an OGC Nice which is still looking for itself under Ineos, the young 21-year-old midfielder has shown convincing character and skills.
In any case, he corresponds to the profile favored by Luis Campos, namely a player with great potential who must be further developed. According to several transfer window experts, Khéphren Thuram is well on Paris Saint-Germain’s “shortlist” for this summer. And in a sector at PSG, namely the midfield, which is always looking for leaders, he has a great opportunity to seize this summer.
Caio Henrique – AS Monaco
Nuno Mendes is unquestionably one of the best left-backs on the planet. Young, gifted in one against one and generous offensively, the Portuguese has already won over everyone in the capital. However, there is a downside, and not the least: he gets injured quite often. Nothing prevents PSG from continuing to trust him but also from taking on a new understudy, as Juan Bernat no longer makes any differences.
For a replacement profile, PSG could call on Caio Henrique, the Monegasque having been a reliable and regular player in Ligue 1 for several seasons. His quality as a center is also an undeniable asset for a PSG used to having possession. He already has nine assists this season. And he’s only 25 years old, which still leaves him many good years ahead of him.
Branco van den Boomen-Toulouse
The Dutch midfielder may not have the profile of an enticing rookie for the QSI era, and yet he presents many arguments. At the end of the contract with the TFC, he will soon be free and therefore represents a potential transfer amount to save for Luis Campos.
It is especially on the pitch that Branco van den Boomen can bring added value: an excellent passer, he is particularly good at set pieces. After his 21 assists last year in L2, he is already at 12 this season, in all competitions. Obviously, he wouldn’t leave with the starting label, but, for bench depth, the one who turns 28 in July would be a very good addition.
