Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, Paris Saint-Germain had already begun their planning even before the paint had dried on the 2022-23 season. The departures of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos had been confirmed before the final game of the previous season, and sporting director Luis Campos wasted no time in securing two immediate signings. Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio and Sporting CP’s Manuel Ugarte were swiftly brought in to strengthen the squad.
The managerial situation also saw swift changes, as Christophe Galtier was swiftly and decisively dismissed, with the news delivered by the Portuguese sporting advisor. Discussions with Julian Nagelsmann have intensified since the end of the previous campaign, indicating a potential new manager for PSG.
Kylian Mbappe has already declared his commitment to staying at Parc des Princes for the upcoming season, providing a boost to the team. On the other hand, the chances of Neymar finally departing the French capital have never been higher, adding an element of uncertainty to the squad.
Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, PSG is set for a major squad revamp as they aim to make another strong push for the elusive UEFA Champions League success.
In
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been actively planning for the 2023-24 season. They have already secured the signings of Milan Skriniar, Marco Asensio, and Manuel Ugarte. Skriniar and Asensio are free transfers, while Ugarte is expected to join for around $64.5 million. PSG is also targeting Marcus Thuram and Bernardo Silva, both highly regarded attackers. Thuram is favored to join from France, while Silva could seek a new adventure after winning the Champions League with Manchester City. These signings aim to revamp the squad and boost PSG’s chances of achieving UEFA Champions League success.
Out
Lionel Messi’s move to Miami has been confirmed, while Sergio Ramos may consider a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia, as PSG has facilitated his departure. PSG is actively looking to offload Neymar, which would create significant financial space and potentially enable them to pursue players like Bernardo Silva more seriously. Players returning from loan spells, including Leandro Paredes, are likely to be sold, along with Renato Sanches, Carlos Soler, Juan Bernat, and Hugo Ekitike. PSG is making strategic moves to reshape their squad for the upcoming season.
Head coach
Julian Nagelsmann, who recently departed Bayern Munich, is currently the leading candidate to take over as the head coach of PSG. Despite tempting offers, he chose not to immediately return to work with Tottenham Hotspur. With Christophe Galtier knowing he won’t be continuing for a second season, Nagelsmann is expected to replace him. Initially, Nagelsmann had hoped to convince Thierry Henry to join his coaching staff, but it remains uncertain whether the Frenchman will accept the offer. As of now, Nagelsmann stands as the frontrunner for the PSG managerial position.ii6
Goalkeepers
It is highly likely that Gianluigi Donnarumma will retain his position as PSG’s starting goalkeeper for the upcoming season, regardless of any potential change in head coach. Donnarumma’s arrival relegated Keylor Navas to a substitute role, leading the Costa Rican to join Nottingham Forest on loan last season. The main uncertainty lies in whether Sergio Rico will be replaced following a severe injury he sustained in a horse riding accident, which resulted in his hospitalization shortly after PSG secured their 11th French title in Strasbourg. If any changes occur in this area, it would involve Navas leaving the club permanently and a new goalkeeper joining, initially as a backup but potentially with the goal of challenging Donnarumma in the future.
Defenders
With Ramos departing and Skriniar joining, PSG’s central defensive options remain stable, led by Marquinhos, Kimpembe, and Skriniar. However, both Skriniar and Kimpembe are recovering from surgery, which might affect their availability at the start of the season. Bitshiabu could continue to gain playing time, and Danilo Pereira’s role in defense is likely to persist given recent midfield acquisitions. Hakimi and Mukiele provide depth on the right flank, while Mendes is the undisputed starter on the left, with Mukiele capable of filling in centrally if needed.
Midfielders
Despite recent fan frustration, Verratti is expected to remain a key figure in PSG’s midfield, alongside the addition of Ugarte. The team is likely to continue with a 3-4-3 formation, which means Pereira will be considered more as a defender than a midfielder. Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, and Warren Zaire Emery are the three most probable midfield options for the upcoming season. Zaire Emery, a promising talent from the youth academy, has already shown his potential under Galtier, who utilized him as a right wing-back in Hakimi’s absence. Both Vitinha and Ruiz provide solid squad options and can also step into the starting lineup if necessary.
Attackers
As expected, the attacking line will revolve around Mbappe, possibly in his final season with PSG. Asensio’s arrival, along with the potential departures of Messi and Neymar, offers the opportunity to reshape the attack into a two-man unit with a playmaker deployed behind them, moving away from the previous three-man approach. While Mbappe and Asensio alone may not be sufficient, they provide a good starting point. The addition of players like Thuram, Silva, and even a wildcard like Zaha could further enhance the attacking options.
Final Words
Paris Saint-Germain is undergoing a rapid transformation as they prepare for the 2023-24 season. The departures of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos have marked the end of an era, but PSG has wasted no time in reinforcing their squad. The acquisitions of Marco Asensio and Manuel Ugarte demonstrate the club’s commitment to assembling a talented team.
As the 2023-24 season approaches, PSG stands on the verge of a transformative chapter. The stage is set for an exciting journey as the club strives to solidify its ambitions and make a decisive impact on the European stage. With a revamped squad and a potential new manager, PSG fans can look forward to an exhilarating season filled with anticipation and the pursuit of greatness.
