Premier League Players PSG Should Target This Summer
Premier League Players PSG Should Target This Summer
Several top Premier League clubs are struggling this season and Paris Saint-Germain should take advantage.
Paris Saint-Germain should win Ligue 1—despite a recent loss to FC Lorient—and qualify for next year’s UEFA Champions League, but the same can’t be said for many traditional super clubs in the Premier League.
As of the publication date, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Liverpool are all fifth or worse in the table. The two London clubs will need a small miracle to qualify for the Champions League.
Even at the bottom of the Premier League table, several traditionally mid-tier clubs—Everton FC, Leicester City, and Southampton—will likely go down to the EFL Championship.
So, what does this mean for Paris Saint-Germain?
As the 2022-23 campaign approaches, it’s becoming clear that PSG needs a new manager with new ideas, a better grasp of working with superstar players, and a complete squad overhaul.
All that work begins this summer, and rumors are already swirling about who may be coming to the French capital. Interestingly enough, very few of the rumors include players from the Premier League.
With many of England’s top clubs struggling to qualify for the Champions League, now would be the ideal time for PSG to try and unsettle players who would strengthen its squad and offer them similar wages and the promise of European football.
Here is a list of Premier League players PSG should target this summer:
Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea)
Ziyech was nearly a PSG player during the January transfer window, but shenanigans from Chelsea stalled the deal. I expect PSG to go back in for the winger as Lionel Messi is likely to leave, and there’s no guarantee Neymar Jr. will return to form following ankle surgery. Hopefully, Chelsea sort out the paperwork in a timely fashion this time.
Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
Pulisic to PSG will turn some heads, and many will question it, but I think there’s a lot of upside to the Chelsea attacker. First, you don’t get to Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea FC as an American unless you possess immense quality. So the talent is there. Plus, he’s looking to resurrect his career. He has something to play for and to prove. That’s the type of player I want in the squad.
N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
Kante would instantly elevate PSG’s midfield from tragic to terrific. I would give anything to see him paired with Marco Verratti for a season. The Frenchman would probably prefer to remain at Chelsea, but at 32 years old, Kante probably doesn’t have many more chances to win another Champions League, and does he really want to waste a year at his current club? PSG should at least put in a bid and make Chelsea say no.
Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)
Kovacic is another player who would instantly improve PSG’s midfield. His previous stops include Real Madrid and Inter Milan, so he’s not afraid of new leagues and would arrive in Ligue 1 with loads of experience. At 28 years old, Kovacic is in his prime, and with a contract that expires in 2024, Chelsea could be looking to move the midfielder and get a transfer fee while they rebuild.
Harry Kane (Tottenham)
An Englishman coming to the French league? It’s rare, but if Kane wants to actually win a trophy before he hangs up his boots, a trip across the English Channel might be what’s best. PSG could use a true number nine with a proven track record of consistent goalscoring. It would also be nice to have a striker who can get on the end of crosses, something PSG hasn’t had in quite a while.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
If Neymar can stay healthy, PSG probably doesn’t need Salah, but the problem is Neymar is injured annually, so PSG needs an insurance policy. Salah has 17 goes in 33 Premier League appearances and eight goals in eight Champions League appearances. He’s still getting it done at 30, but Liverpool could be looking to press the reset button and cash in on Salah, especially if they can only offer UEFA Europa League football next season.
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Ndidi’s stock was about as high as it could be in 2022, but a lackluster season with Leicester City has tempered expectations. The Nigeria international is under contract until 2024, so now would be the time for Leicester to get something for Ndidi as they battle to avoid relegation. The transfer fee will cost significantly less for PSG compared to when they were previously interested in the player, and Ndidi would arrive with something to prove. Like Pulisic earlier, we know the quality is there, but a change of scenery might be needed to bring it back out.