PSG is approaching a critical summer of change

With the situation for many top names unsettled, a new manager coming in and FFP hanging over their shoulder, PSG is in for a summer full of change.

It has been nearly seven years since PSG announced it’s arrival with an infusion of oil money. During that time, the capital outfit has been big on intent and short on attaining its ultimate goal.

After pulling off a stunning double transfer to get Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, PSG chartered a course for joining Europe’s elite. Continuing to use their financial might to attract players, the Parisians on paper have looked the part. Unfortunately, the on field return has provided domestic dominance, but no breakthrough in Europe.

As the Ligue 1 season comes to a close, PSG are entering what could be their most critical summer since the Qatari takeover. With a coaching change in the works and roster changes to be had, the next few months will be critical for PSG in many ways.

New Manager

It has been common knowledge for quite some time that Unai Emery was not the man to lead Paris to Champions League glory. With the recent announcement of his departure at the end of this season, PSG is in search of someone who can push them to take the next step.

According to most reports, former Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel is the favorite to replace Emery. If Tuchel becomes the next man on the Parisian hot seat, he will bring with him an attacking mindset. The German tactician’s teams have been known for getting forward with pace. This should play well at PSG as Mbappe and Neymar are the type of players who can thrive in his setup.

Tuchel has been known to change formations depending on match ups. This should be another benefit as Emery was under criticism for his personnel and deployment choices at times.

While he is an appealing choice for PSG, there is still the possibility Tuchel ends up landing another great opportunity. Other potential candidates include Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus), Antonio Conte (Chelsea), Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham) and Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid) among others.

What the next manager’s biggest issue may be, is dealing with the locker room in Paris. Meshing high-end players from different countries and egos, can be a coach’s biggest challenge. Whoever lands at PSG will have to bring the room under their control if this team is to reach the next level.

Neymar’s Future

Last summer, PSG pulled off a shocking transfer when they met Neymar’s buyout clause from Barcelona. Neymar’s first season in Paris did not disappoint from a statistical standpoint, but an injury brought things to an early close.

During his time off, there has been plenty of media ink regarding an audacious move to Real Madrid. These links coincide with reports that the Brazilian is not happy with life in Paris.

How this plays out could create substantial fallout. With a large Brazilian contingent on the roster, a departure or mishandling of Neymar could cause other unhappy players. Dani Alves, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva are all key members of PSG who could want to join their Brazilian teammate on the way out.

A U-turn back to Spain after a single season in France could make marquee signings a bit more difficult to achieve going forward. If Neymar could not find happiness playing for the amount PSG were paying him, then others may not want to even take a look.

Financial Fair Play

Another gift from the Neymar signing is the scrutiny by UEFA of PSG’s finances. If Paris are deemed to have run afoul of the FFP rules for a second time, the punishment could be crippling.

More from Playing for 90

Recent meetings between the club and UEFA have occurred. The judgment of UEFA on the club’s financials is expected to be announced in the next few weeks. Potential punishments could be exclusion from European competition, forfeiture of prize money, or squad reduction.

The final decision regarding where PSG sits related to FFP, will have a major impact on their summer transfer business. It may make it difficult to fill any holes in their lineup.

Player Movement

Like many teams, Paris will see some players exit this summer. Depending on the FFP decision, Neymar, and other rumors, there may be an extreme exodus of talent.

Marco Verratti and Angel Di Maria have both been the subject of departure rumors. Both are top-level players who would be difficult to replace. Verratti has been in Barcelona and Manchester United’s view, but a return to Italy may also be in the cards.

All time leading goal scorer Cavani is reportedly not thrilled with playing alongside Neymar. His reputation as a goal scorer will find him a lot of interest in the transfer market.

Others like Julian Draxler, Javier Pastore and Kevin Trapp may be looking to move on as well. Add in Thiago Motta’s retirement and suddenly there are several holes to fill.

Next: PSG will not sell Neymar

With their roster unsettled, a new manager and FFP, PSG is in for a summer full of change. The decisions they make will determine if they can take another step toward the elusive European title they are chasing.

Home/Ligue 1