PSG’s Turbulent Years with Mbappé: A Shift to Barcola’s Rise

The relationship between PSG and Kylian Mbappé has seen its share of turbulence over the years. At the start of the 2022-2023 season, the French forward’s position within the Parisian club was uncertain. He had expressed a desire to leave Paris and opted out of the opening match of Ligue 1 against Clermont, wanting clarity on his future. PSG, in turn, stated that the striker was injured during that period.

In the summer of 2017, PSG made a significant splash in the transfer market. Alongside the acquisition of Neymar, the club secured Kylian Mbappé, who was then considered the top talent in France. The forward’s journey with Paris lasted seven seasons, culminating in his departure for Real Madrid this summer.

PSG’s Deception Regarding Mbappé

However, Mbappé’s tenure at PSG could have ended much sooner. In the summer of 2022, he expressed his intention to leave the club, frustrated by unmet promises regarding transfers, particularly the potential arrivals of Bernardo Silva and Robert Lewandowski. In a complicated situation, he requested not to participate in the first match of the season against Clermont until his future was resolved. To avoid raising suspicions, PSG claimed that the World Cup champion was injured.

Barcola Emerges as Parisian Attack Leader

Now that Kylian Mbappé has officially departed from PSG, Bradley Barcola has stepped into a more prominent role within the team’s attack. The former Lyon player has become the focal point of the offense and has been in exceptional form since the season began. In just three Ligue 1 matches, the forward has already scored four goals. Additionally, the 22-year-old found the net for the national team against Italy.