"Looking Ahead: PSG's Potential Squad for the 2023-24 Season"
The planning for Paris Saint-Germain's 2023-24 season began before the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, with Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos already confirmed to leave the club. Luis Campos wasted no time and secured the signings of Marco Asensio from Real Madrid and Manuel Ugarte from Sporting CP. Shortly after, Christophe Galtier was swiftly and brutally dismissed by the club, and discussions with Julian Nagelsmann as his replacement intensified. Kylian Mbappe has declared his intention to stay at Parc des Princes for the upcoming season, while the chances of Neymar finally departing from the French capital are high.
Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, PSG aims to revamp their squad significantly in pursuit of the elusive UEFA Champions League success.
Incoming transfers include Milan Skriniar, Asensio, and Ugarte, who have already been lined up by Campos and should be officially announced soon. Skriniar and Asensio are free transfers, while Ugarte's acquisition is expected to cost around $64.5 million. In addition, PSG is likely to explore the free agent market for another attacker, with Marcus Thuram and Bernardo Silva as potential targets.
On the departure front, Messi's move to Miami and Ramos potentially seeking a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia have been confirmed. PSG is actively seeking to sell Neymar, which would provide them with more financial flexibility to pursue players like Silva. Players returning from loan spells, including Leandro Paredes, are expected to be offloaded, and other players like Renato Sanches, Carlos Soler, Juan Bernat, and Hugo Ekitike could also be moved on.
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Regarding the coaching staff, Julian Nagelsmann is the frontrunner to replace Galtier after leaving Bayern Munich. Nagelsmann initially hoped to convince Thierry Henry to join him as part of his backroom staff, but it remains uncertain if Henry will accept the offer.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to remain as PSG's starting goalkeeper, while the backup goalkeeper position may be reconsidered following Sergio Rico's injury in a horse riding accident. Changes in the defensive line include the arrival of Skriniar and the recovery of Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe from surgeries. El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Danilo Pereira could also feature, with Achraf Hakimi, Nordi Mukiele, and Nuno Mendes providing depth.
In midfield, Marco Verratti is likely to remain a key player alongside Ugarte, while Danilo Pereira may be utilized more as a defender. Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, and Warren Zaire Emery are expected to continue as the primary midfield options. Emery is a promising youth academy talent who gained significant playing time under Galtier, and both Vitinha and Ruiz offer squad depth.
The front line will continue to revolve around Mbappe, with Asensio joining him as a potential strike partner. The departure of Messi and potentially Neymar opens up the possibility of reshaping the attack into a two-man unit, with a playmaker deployed behind them. PSG may also look to add players like Thuram, Silva, or even Wilfried Zaha to strengthen the attacking options.
A possible PSG starting XI for the 2023-24 season could consist of Donnarumma in goal, with Skriniar, Marquinhos, and Kimpembe in defense. Hakimi, Verratti, Ugarte, and Mendes could form the midfield, while Asensio, Mbappe, and either Thuram or Bernardo Silva could lead the attack.