PSG’s Late Transfer Strategies: Key Signings and Market Moves

The summer transfer window is nearing its end, with clubs in Ligue 1 having until 11 PM this Friday to finalize their deals. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who have already welcomed four new signings this summer, might still be tempted to make a last-minute addition. Historically, the Parisian club has been known for its late transfer activity…

This summer, PSG has significantly bolstered its squad. With Kylian Mbappé now at Real Madrid, the Paris club has turned to youth, bringing in Matvey Safonov, João Neves, Willian Pacho, and Désiré Doué. As the transfer deadline approaches, speculation arises about whether the club is looking to strengthen its left-back position as reported by le Parisien. The club has a history of making impactful late transfers, prompting a deeper look into some notable last-minute signings.

1/ Kylian Mbappé – August 31, 2017

The French football sensation, Kylian Mbappé, made headlines when he left AS Monaco to join PSG in the waning hours of the summer transfer window in 2017. He was pursued by top clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, FC Barcelona, and Manchester City, but ultimately chose Paris. Seven years later, he departed for Real Madrid, having become PSG’s all-time leading scorer in March 2023. This transfer was executed as a loan with a mandatory purchase option of €180 million, marking it as the second-most expensive transfer in football history.

2/ Nuno Mendes – September 1, 2021

After a brief stint at Sporting CP, Nuno Mendes joined PSG at the conclusion of the 2021 summer transfer window, which also saw the arrivals of Lionel Messi, Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Following a significant hamstring injury last season, Mendes is back in Luis Enrique‘s left-back position, eager to showcase the potential he displayed during his early days in the capital. He was officially signed on September 1, 2021, with a €40 million purchase option that was activated the following year.

3/ Bradley Barcola – August 31, 2023

Emerging as a standout player this season, Bradley Barcola was among PSG’s last signings of the previous summer. After a promising half-season with OL, the talented young forward, born in 2002, caught the attention of Parisian officials, leading them to invest €50 million (including bonuses) for his transfer.

4/ Randal Kolo Muani – September 1, 2023

The saga surrounding Randal Kolo Muani was drawn out, delayed by Hugo Ekitike‘s insistence on staying at PSG. Ultimately, Kolo Muani signed his contract with PSG in the final moments of the summer window. Acquired for €90 million (including bonuses), the French striker is still striving to establish himself in Luis Enrique‘s attacking lineup, making him the third-most expensive signing in PSG’s history, following Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.

5/ Keylor Navas – September 2, 2019

In pursuit of a top-tier goalkeeper to enhance their Champions League ambitions, PSG secured Keylor Navas, who had previously enjoyed success at Real Madrid. Arriving for a modest fee of €15 million, the Costa Rican quickly became a key figure for Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, playing crucial roles in their respective Champions League campaigns in 2020 and 2021.

6/ Mauro Icardi – September 2, 2019

Also joining PSG on the same day as Keylor Navas, Mauro Icardi was brought in to fill the void left by Edinson Cavani. After a promising start, the former goleador of Inter saw his standing diminish, eventually becoming less favored. His arrival on a loan deal with a €55 million purchase option in late 2019 had initially been seen as a major coup for Leonardo, considering Icardi’s impressive form in Serie A.