With the Ligue 1 title already secured and a Champions League final against Arsenal looming on May 30, Paris Saint-Germain are entering a period of intense squad evaluation. Coach Luis Enrique, speaking after the narrow 1-0 victory over Brest, confirmed that the remaining domestic fixtures – against Lens this Wednesday and Paris FC on Sunday – would serve as preparation for the European showpiece. The statement underscored a shift in priorities: individual auditions for fringe players and potential transfer window moves are now intertwined with the club’s immediate competitive goals.
The PSG hierarchy has hit the pause button on all contract and transfer negotiations until after the final, yet that hasn’t stopped the sporting director Luis Campos and Enrique from laying groundwork for the 2025-26 squad. A central defender remains a priority, but the attack is also under the microscope. Several forwards face uncertain paths, and this week’s matches could prove decisive for their futures.
Lee Kang-in, the South Korean international, will not feature at Lens due to an ankle injury. His absence adds to a frustrating end to the campaign for a player who was blocked from leaving last summer. Despite showing flashes, his role has been inconsistent. The 25-year-old retains market interest, particularly from Atlético Madrid. If the Spanish club firm up their pursuit, PSG might be open to a sale, especially as they have already identified Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche as a like-for-like replacement. The creative midfielder has also attracted Manchester City, but PSG’s interest is concrete. Additionally, Luis Campos has been scouting the Russian market, with CSKA Moscow’s Matveï Kislyak catching the eye as a more defensive-minded option in midfield.
Lee’s absence opens the door for others. Gonçalo Ramos, the Portuguese striker, has endured a testing season. He has started just 15 times across all competitions, netting 12 goals, but his rhythm has been elusive. His below-par outing against Brest reignited questions about his fit within Enrique’s system. Despite his pedigree, Ramos’s style—often more of a penalty-box predator—has not seamlessly aligned with the fluid, possession-heavy identity the coach demands. With PSG actively monitoring Atlético’s Julian Alvarez, a more versatile and mobile forward, Ramos’s departure looks increasingly probable.
The interest in Alvarez is a clear signal. The Argentine World Cup winner, currently at Atlético Madrid, would represent a significant upgrade and a stylistic match for Enrique’s high-pressing, interchangeable frontline. If PSG pursue that deal, it would almost certainly necessitate moving on from either Ramos or Lee Kang-in. Alvarez’s potential arrival underscores the club’s ambition to build a squad capable of dominating in Europe, but it also places immediate pressure on current incumbents to prove their worth during these final Ligue 1 outings.
Another name in the mix is Ibrahim Mbaye. The 18-year-old Senegalese international, with two years left on his contract, has seen limited opportunities but has caught the attention of English clubs. With the sirens from the Premier League growing louder, Mbaye is said to be weighing his future. This week’s games offer a rare platform for the youngster to showcase his abilities and potentially influence PSG’s decision to either keep him in the squad or entertain offers.
Enrique’s squad management for the Lens and Paris FC matches will be telling. With key players likely to be rested ahead of the Arsenal final, fringe and unsettled players will receive extended minutes. For Ramos, it’s a chance to rediscover his scoring touch and convince the coaching staff that he can be a viable option next season. For others, it’s an opportunity to put themselves in the shop window. The spotlight will be intense, and performances could sway the club’s transfer strategy when the negotiation freeze lifts.
The PSG project under Enrique has always been about a specific brand of football: high intensity, rapid transitions, and positional versatility. Players who don’t embody those traits risk being phased out, regardless of their talent or price tag. The cases of Lee and Ramos illustrate how even established internationals aren't immune to tactical purges. As the club targets players like Alvarez and Akliouche, it’s evident that recruitment is being tailored to a very particular philosophy.
Off the pitch, the pause in negotiations is a strategic move to maintain focus. Yet it also creates a vacuum where rival clubs can express interest and lay the groundwork for summer deals. Atlético Madrid’s potential pursuit of Lee, the Premier League’s coveting of Mbaye, and the mutual appreciation between PSG and Alvarez are all threads that could rapidly accelerate once the Champions League final is concluded.
The final two Ligue 1 games are thus much more than dead rubbers. They represent a mini-trial for several careers at PSG. For Ramos, it may be his last auditions in a Parisian shirt; for Lee, the injury comes at the worst possible time, potentially curtailing his chances of making a late impression. Mbaye, meanwhile, might be auditioning for his next employer. The outcome of these matches will inform not only the team selection for the Arsenal showdown but also the summer transfer market maneuvers.
Ultimately, the next seven days encapsulate the ruthless reality of modern elite football. Success brings pressure, and for PSG, the quest for a first Champions League title has raised the bar for every position. The club’s move for Alvarez, the pursuit of Akliouche, and the scouting of talents like Kislyak signal an intention to evolve. Players who can’t adapt are increasingly seen as expendable.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.