With it being Thanksgiving weekend in the United States, one of the traditions is to know what we are thankful for; however, one of the traditions that’s picked up steam over the last decade is Black Friday. For those who don’t know, it’s typically the day after Thanksgiving, where retail companies offer eye-popping deals.
Now, what does this have to do with Paris Saint-Germain?
Over the Qataris Sports Investment era, the club has flexed the financial muscle, but they have secured some bargain deals. With it being Black Friday, I’ll write up some of the top bargain deals since QSI took over in 2011.
Juan Bernat
Over the summer of 2018, PSG was cash-strapped due to the transfers of Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé. The club was limited to what it could do to improve the squad, and so they had no choice but to look for bargains. As a result, they found Juan Bernat, a full-back who worn out his welcome with FC Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard would cost €15 million, per ESPN, and it was a no-brain decision for PSG to fill a need at a cheap price. Not much was expect of Bernat; in fact, some supporters were not so thrilled. To go from spending massive money on world-class talent to dumpster diving didn’t sit well with a portion of the PSG fan base.
Despite the negativity, Bernat has established himself as the starting left-back, beating out Layvin Kurzawa. Also, the 26-year-old has scored some important UEFA Champions League goals for the club. Away at Napoli and the home match versus Liverpool FC were some big moments for Bernat.
For the price that PSG paid, the Spaniard is a Black Friday price.
Marquinhos
The Brazilian has gone on the record of saying he’d like to spend the majority of his career in Paris. Also, with his transfer of €32 million, per ESPN, Marquinhos has become a bargain, considering his world-class form.
Paying that amount for a 19-year-old was a risky purchase for PSG. However, with the way Marquinhos has developed it was purchase well-made. Along with Thiago Silva, he’s the squad’s best defender and will likely become the club’s next captain when Silva departs. Also, he’s put the club first, leaving his preferred position of center-back to play in the midfield because of the team’s needs.
Consider the center-back a television, sometimes it may not pay off considering the model, but it withstands the years.
Marco Verratti
Back in 2011, PSG made a purchase of an Italian superstar for €12 million, via Goal, from Pescara. Fast-forward eight years later, and Marco Verratti is worth €75 million, according to Transfermarkt. Purchasing a teenager from Serie B is another risk that the club took, but like Marquinhos, the purchase paid off.
Verratti has turned himself into the magician of the midfield. If PSG creates any scoring chances, half the time he’s behind the play. Furthermore, when he’s out of the lineup or isn’t at 100 percent, the squad suffers. Although there’s some criticism of him, there’s no question how valuable he is to the club.
Much like Marquinhos, Verratti is like purchase an electronic item that can test the years without having to upgrade it.
Mauro Icardi
The Argentine is like buying a refurbished item on Black Friday. Considering the baggage and dip in form, Icardi was a risky loan option. Despite that, Icardi has come in and performed at the top goal-scorer many have come to know in Italy.
In 12 Champions League and Ligue 1 matches, Icardi has scored 10 goals for the capital club. Although the deal is a loan, PSG would be crazy not to make it a permanent deal. Paris has found their long-term replacement for Edinson Cavani.
Also, a refurbished product is an item someone previously had; however, like any refurbished product, it’s a gamble, but sometimes it works out.
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