The Paris Saint-Germain machine is already in motion. Fresh off a second Champions League title, the club's attention has swiftly turned to constructing a squad capable of sustaining that success. The directive from the top has been explicit: a pause on all transfer activity during the final, but now the floodgates open. Luis Campos, the club's strategic advisor, is set to resume his round of meetings from Monday, operating from Monaco's luxury hotels as he hosts agents, intermediaries, and club delegations. The blueprint is clear, and the busy summer schedule underlines PSG's determination to strengthen methodically.
The methodology at PSG, championed by president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, executed by Campos and driven by coach Luis Enrique, revolves around anticipation. The objective is to never operate from a position of urgency. Already, before knowing the outcome of certain departures, the club has advanced on several recruitment fronts. A central defender capable of slotting in at right-back is on the list, alongside a young left-back to provide cover and competition for Nuno Mendes. An offensive option on the right flank and an out-and-out attacker are also targeted. Additionally, an 18-year-old goalkeeper, whose identity remains under wraps, is set to join initially for the youth team while training with the senior squad as needed.
Firepower up front is the immediate priority. The club is pushing this week to secure a versatile number nine. Discussions were held with Atlético Madrid over Julian Alvarez, but the Argentine's hesitation has cooled Paris' interest. The recruitment team, under Luis Enrique's clear philosophy, will not chase players who do not show unequivocal desire to don the Parisian shirt. This stance has opened the door for Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche. The 24-year-old French international, with seven caps, is reportedly very keen on a move to the capital. His signing would supplement a more central striker, offering tactical flexibility. His anticipated arrival also positions him as a potential replacement should certain attackers leave.
Exits are indeed a strong possibility. Lee Kang-in, the South Korean midfielder, was blocked from leaving last summer but is now a leading candidate for departure. Similarly, striker Gonçalo Ramos is intent on finding a more prominent role elsewhere after a season where he often played second fiddle. Both players see their futures away from the Parc des Princes, and PSG appears ready to facilitate moves that satisfy all parties, provided the financial terms are right.
The situation surrounding Bradley Barcola is among the most delicate. The 23-year-old winger has just two years left on his contract, making this summer a critical juncture. Extension talks are on the agenda, but there is no guarantee he stays. Premier League clubs, notably Liverpool, have registered interest. However, Liverpool have so far prioritized a right-sided attacker, a role PSG is also targeting in the form of Yan Diomande. The Ivorian teenager, currently at RB Leipzig, fits the profile searched by Luis Enrique and negotiations are ongoing. Diomande's signing could become a priority to balance the attack.
Youth development remains a core pillar, but the club must manage interest from abroad. Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Senegalese winger, is admired within PSG's setup and the player is loyal to the club. However, Aston Villa have made overtures, and Mbaye has privately discussed the prospect of a move. PSG will need to navigate this carefully, balancing the promise of first-team opportunities with the lure of the Premier League.
Defensively, the door remains ajar for captain Marquinhos. The 32-year-old Brazilian, under contract until 2028, will not be blocked if he requests a transfer. Saudi Arabian clubs have circled in the past, but the trail has gone cold, in part because Marquinhos himself is believed to prefer a switch to Qatar should he leave the club. Lucas Hernandez is another defensive asset who could depart, but only if a substantial offer materializes—something that, for now, is not on the table. In anticipation, the scouting department is actively sourcing a young left-back to provide depth behind Mendes.
In goal, the succession planning is quietly unfolding. Lucas Chevalier, the 24-year-old Frenchman, has made it clear he does not envision another season as a backup. He will sit down with the club's decision-makers in the coming days to discuss his future. Leaving PSG, however, is not straightforward given the financial implications, so any exit would require a mutually beneficial agreement. Meanwhile, across the continent, Portuguese outlets have reported a strong PSG interest in Diogo Costa of FC Porto, a 26-year-old with a growing reputation. Landing Costa would be a statement move, potentially reshaping the goalkeeping hierarchy.
As the summer market intensifies, PSG's strategy under Campos and Luis Enrique remains consistent: build a cohesive unit, target players with hunger, and avoid the panic buys of the past. The Champions League triumph provides a platform, not a conclusion. The challenge now is to embed this philosophy deeper while refreshing the squad with the right profiles. The coming weeks promise a flurry of activity, with Paris determined to stay ahead of the curve.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
