Right now, most clubs in Europe are heading into the transfer market for the basics, a pint of milk or a packet of pasta, and trying to stretch their ailing finances to complete their squads and compete next season.
A David Alaba here, a Sergio Aguero there, while also looking sideways at the team next door. Whereas Paris Saint-Germain are passing by with a trolley full of players.
Georginio Wijnaldum, so far the only confirmed signing, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sergio Ramos. Gourmet signings for a fridge that is the envy of Europe but is lacking the cherry on top: The Champions League.
Qatar have been at the Parc des Princes for 10 seasons now and, year after year, their project seems ever more solid, getting closer to the primary objective and mature enough to reach out and grab Ol’ Big Ears by one of its handles. The galactic signings of David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have given way to a more consolidated project, with a high-level squad and the dream of yesteryear now becoming a requirement: European success.
This summer’s reinforcements, almost all coming at zero cost, as only Achraf have a transfer fee, confirm PSG’s candidacy for all. A world-class goalkeeper, a centre-back with four Champions League titles to his name, a midfielder with experience and a full-back to provide depth on the wing and make the Parisian attack even more fearsome.
If Kylian Mbappe stays in Paris next season – contract renewal or not – Mauricio Pochettino would have in his hands on the best PSG squad in history, and one designed to take France by storm and fight for the top position in Europe.
With those four additions, PSG would have the second most valuable squad in the world, behind only Manchester City. No longer are PSG guests at the party of European giants, this season they have a place reserved in the VIP area. And not only because of what will happen on the pitch, but also their influence in the offices of power European football is growing.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi is the new president of the European Club Association (ECA) after his refusal to sign the founding document for the European Super League, and not just that, he has gained even more. A relaxation of the financial fair play regulations that work in favour of clubs like PSG, supported from the oil rich nation of Qatar, and a leading position when it comes to the future of European football.
PSG‘s megaproject is approaching its culmination. In what may be the last season to capitalise on Mbappe, the club are pulling out all the stops to surround him with the best possible players. Despite the fact that the future of some big names is in doubt – sales of 60m euros have to be made – Pochettino‘s squad is frightening. They have quality, they have experience, they have desire. Paris, more than ever, is the city to watch.
