Lucas Beraldo’s Surprising New Role at PSG Under Luis Enrique’s Strategy

Lucas Beraldo Set for Midfield Role at PSG Under Luis Enrique

Paris, January 2024 – Lucas Beraldo is poised for a new role at Paris Saint-Germain as manager Luis Enrique plans to transition him from central defense to a midfield position. This strategic shift follows several successful trials in the previous season, highlighting Beraldo’s potential as a central midfielder rather than his original role as a defender. Beraldo, who joined PSG from São Paulo in January 2024, has extended his contract until 2030 and is expected to be a key alternative to Vitinha.

Successful trials convinced Enrique

**The idea of repositioning Beraldo is not a recent one.** During the second half of the 2025-2026 season, Luis Enrique frequently deployed Beraldo in a midfield role. A standout performance against Angers, where PSG triumphed 3-0, saw Beraldo score a goal, provide an assist, and complete 94% of his passes, showcasing his poise under pressure. The left-footed player demonstrated his ability to manage the game, break through defensive lines with precise passing, and initiate clean attacks.

**This transformation maximizes Beraldo’s strengths** while minimizing his limitations. While his speed and physicality in central defense were sometimes questioned, his vision, composure, and left-footed precision become significant assets when playing further up the field. Notably, he replaced Vitinha during extra time in PSG’s Champions League final victory over Arsenal.

Impact on PSG’s transfer strategy

**The anticipated signing of Lucas Digne** is expected to enhance PSG’s tactical flexibility. Digne, formerly of Aston Villa, will likely serve as backup to Nuno Mendes, allowing Lucas Hernandez to focus more on central defense. This shift enables Beraldo to reduce his defensive duties and strengthen PSG’s midfield, which already includes talents like Vitinha, João Neves, Fabian Ruiz, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Senny Mayulu.

**PSG could gain a valuable player without additional costs.** While Beraldo may not replace Vitinha’s pivotal role, he offers a reliable option for rotation or tactical adjustments in the midfield. Following Luis Enrique’s previous success in repositioning players like Ousmane Dembélé, this move could also eliminate the need for an additional defensive midfielder in the transfer market.

**In summary, Luis Enrique’s decision to reposition Lucas Beraldo** offers PSG a fresh tactical advantage, potentially reducing the need for new signings while enhancing the team’s depth and flexibility.