As the New Year kicks off, Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance in the French Ligue 1 continues as Thomas Tuchel’s side sit seven points clear of Marseille at the top of the table.
Despite the Champions League trophy eluding the French champions since the takeover of Qatari Sports Investments in 2011, PSG managed to qualify top of their group ahead of 13-time winners Real Madrid and face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of this seasons edition of the competition.
With that said, there is still plenty of work to do for the Parisians in the January transfer window with the futures of some big name players yet to be resolved. Ghanawish.com brings to you a list of potential recruits that PSG should sign in order to push for their first Champions League trophy in the second half of the season.
Alban Lafont (Goalkeeper)
Despite having very able goalkeepers in the form of Keylor Navas and deputy Sergio Rico, PSG may look to invest in a shot stopper for the future. Now 33 years of age, Navas is entering the twilight of his career and les Rouge et Blue need to start planning for his long-term successor.
Who better to replace Navas at the Parc des Princes than teenage sensation Alban Lafont. Despite his tender age of 20, Lafont has already amassed over 100 Ligue 1 appearances with Toulouse and now Nantes (on loan from Serie A outfit Fiorentina). Ligue 1’s youngest ever goalkeeper has continued his steady progression at Nantes and, with a release clause of just €7m, Lafont should be an attractive option for PSG.
Álex Grimaldo (Left-Back)
With Layvin Kurzawa out of contract in summer and seemingly out of favour, Juan Bernat has been PSG’s only viable option at left-back so far this season. While the 26-year-old is a talented and accomplished player, PSG will no doubt be aiming to add January reinforcements to their left-back position.
One contender who fits the bill is Benfica left-back Àlex Grimaldo, who has enjoyed a successful stint in Portugal, winning the Primeira Liga on three occasions. Still only 24, the former Barcelona academy graduate has years ahead of him at the top of his game and is deserving of a move to a bigger European club. With his contract set to expire in 2021, Grimaldo would not represent a big investment for PSG, who should seriously consider the Spanish international before he is snapped up by another one of Europe’s elites.
Mattia De Sciglio (Right-Back)
Given right-back Thomas Meunier’s contract runs out in the summer, Tuchel has voiced his wish to bring in another right-back in the January transfer window. One player who is reportedly being sounded out as a potential target is Juventus full-back Mattias De Sciglio.
PSG sporting director Leonardo has tried to sign the 27-year-old in the past and will look to try his hand again in the upcoming window. With Meunier out of contract in the summer and De Sciglio featuring just six times for the Old Lady in Serie A this season, a swap deal could well be on the cards.
With Colin Dagba also coming through the ranks at PSG, De Sciglio could give the 21-year-old the much needed competition he needs as well as proving adequate cover as the fixtures pile up in the second half of the season.
Emre Can (Central Midfield)
Another player who may make the switch from Turin to Paris is Juventus’ wantaway star Emre Can. The former Liverpool midfielder has struggled for game time since his 2018 move to the Allianz Stadium and has since been omitted from the Bianconeri’s Champions League matchday squad.
Rumours have been circulating for some time regarding a potential swap deal for Can and PSG’s out of favour midfielder Leandro Paredes, who has also struggled for game time since his January 2019 move from Zenit St Petersburg. This deal would seem attractive for all parties – Juventus would remove €5m worth of wages from their books while signing a young replacement for the 25-year-old, while PSG would sign a talented player with Champions League experience.
Despite Marco Verratti, Pablo Sarabia, Idrissa Gueye and Ander Herrera all being viable midfield options for PSG, the Ligue 1 club will look to add strength in depth to cope with their push for their first Champions League title in the second half of the season.
Mauro Icardi (Striker)
While Mauro Icardi is already plying his trade at the Parc des Princes, his loan move form Inter has not yet been made permanent at the time of writing. With the future of Edinson Cavani in doubt, PSG may look to make the 26-year-old’s move a permanent one in the upcoming window.
The Argentine striker has impressed, scoring 11 goals and registering one assist in 16 appearances in all competitions so far this season. More importantly, the former Sampdoria star has seamlessly slotted into PSG’s front line and has formed a productive partnership with Kylian Mbappé and Neymar Jr.
With Inter already signing replacements in the form of Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United and Lautaro Martínez from Racing Club, the Italian side may have already preempted a January bid from PSG. With the aforementioned players all able to be signed for free as part of a swap deal or for a relatively small fee, Icardi would represent the only major expenditure for the Paris-based club.
Moreover, with a new bumper deal being lined up for Kylian Mbappé, PSG will look to focus much of their attention (and funds) on retaining what they already have.
