Paris Saint-Germain’s head coach, Luis Enrique, has expressed his satisfaction with the current state of his squad, signaling that the club may not be looking to make further additions before the transfer window shuts next week. Enrique’s confidence comes despite recent injuries and the high-profile departure of Kylian Mbappé, which left a significant gap in the team’s offensive line-up.
The summer transfer window has been busy for PSG, with the club reportedly spending €175 million (about $195 million) on new signings, excluding additional performance-based bonuses. These investments have brought in several young talents, but notably, the club has yet to secure a replacement for Mbappé, who left for Real Madrid after his contract expired. Mbappé’s exit marks the end of an era for PSG, as he was not only a key figure in their attacking strategy but also the club’s all-time top scorer.
Adding to their challenges, PSG suffered a setback last week when their new signing, Goncalo Ramos, sustained an ankle injury during their opening Ligue 1 match against Le Havre. The Portuguese forward, who was expected to help fill the void left by Mbappé’s departure, came off just 15 minutes into the game, which ended in a 4-1 victory for PSG. Ramos has since undergone surgery and is expected to be sidelined for up to three months, posing a serious dilemma for Enrique as he looks to maintain his team’s attacking prowess.
Speaking to reporters ahead of PSG’s first home game of the season against Montpellier, Luis Enrique addressed these concerns. “Unfortunately, Goncalo picked up an injury, which is a blow for us,” he acknowledged. “But I still believe we have a very good team. I have full confidence in the players in my squad. Injuries are part of football, and while losing a player like Goncalo is tough, we are equipped to handle these situations.”
Enrique was quick to praise the efforts of PSG’s president, Nasser al-Khelaifi, and sporting director, Luis Campos, for their work in the transfer market so far. He suggested that while the door is always open for potential improvements, he feels content with the current squad. “The president, Luis Campos, and I are always looking for ways to improve the squad, but it’s not easy to find players who can significantly enhance a team like ours. That said, we are always ready to seize the right opportunity if it comes.”
Despite the injury to Ramos and the absence of a direct replacement for Mbappé, PSG has made several notable signings that reflect a strategic focus on young, promising talents. The club recently secured the services of 19-year-old Desire Doue from Rennes for a reported €50 million. Doue, who helped France win a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, is seen as a future star. His arrival adds depth to PSG’s attacking options, even if he is not a direct replacement for the likes of Mbappé or Ramos.
In addition to Doue, PSG signed another 19-year-old, Joao Neves, a highly-rated Portuguese midfielder from Benfica. The deal for Neves could eventually reach €69.9 million, underlining PSG’s commitment to investing in young talent. These acquisitions, along with the signings of Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt and Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov from Krasnodar, show a deliberate strategy to build a team that can compete at the highest level both now and in the future.
While rumors of a move for Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen have circulated, there appears to be little traction on that front as the August 30 transfer deadline approaches. Instead, PSG may look to rely on existing options within the squad to navigate the upcoming months. Randal Kolo Muani, a versatile forward, seems the most likely candidate to lead the line in Ramos’s absence. Enrique also has the option to deploy Marco Asensio, typically an attacking midfielder, as a makeshift centre-forward, demonstrating the flexibility and depth within the squad.
“We are always on the lookout to see if players are available at reasonable prices,” Enrique said, acknowledging the ever-present rumors and speculation that swirl around big clubs like PSG. “However, I am delighted with the team we have. I think the president and Luis Campos have done an excellent job during this transfer window. Everything is going well at the moment, but if we can bring in another player who fits our profile, that would be an added bonus.”
Enrique’s comments reflect a broader philosophy at PSG this season: a focus on building a cohesive team rather than relying solely on big-name signings. This approach is aimed at creating a balanced squad capable of achieving success both domestically and in European competitions. The emphasis on young talent suggests a shift towards sustainability and long-term planning, a strategy that could pay dividends in the coming years.
As PSG prepares to face Montpellier, fans will be eager to see how Enrique’s current squad performs. The coach’s optimism and the team’s recent signings provide a sense of reassurance, even as the club navigates the challenges posed by injuries and player departures. With the transfer window soon closing, it appears that PSG is ready to move forward with the players they have, trusting in their quality and potential to deliver results.
