In recent weeks, it’s been reported that both Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva could remain at Paris Saint-Germain past this season.
Both players are on expiring contracts, well into their 30s, and earn hefty wages. For much of the 2019-20 campaign, it was assumed Cavani and Silva would leave the Parc des Princes for a new club but then the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Facing financial issues and an uncertain transfer market, PSG seemed to be open to the idea of keeping their two veterans. It certainly would be more convenient to offer them a contract then try to find a deal whenever the transfer window opens.
However, L’Equipe reports that PSG players are refusing to lower their wages even as the club, and let’s be honest, the citizens of France, struggle financially due to the coronavirus.
And who is leading negotiations for the players against Leonardo, PSG’s sporting director? That would be captain Silva along with vice-captain Marquinhos.
The highest-paid Ligue 1 players all play for PSG 💰
(via @lequipe) pic.twitter.com/vxhFPKxzwj
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 7, 2020
If Silva were to remain in Paris, there is no doubt that he would no longer be PSG’s third-highest paid player. The same goes for Cavani who is PSG’s fourth-highest paid player. If they’re not willing to lower their salaries now, what makes you think they would be willing to take a large pay cut to stay especially if other teams are willing to offer them similar wages to play for them next season?
Now, we don’t know for sure that it’s Silva and Cavani holding up negotiations. Remember, all of the players have to agree to reduced wages and perhaps those at the lower end of the pay scale are unwilling to take less, and that’s certainly understandable.
If Silva’s inability to get the squad he captains to reduce their wages isn’t indicative of him accepting making less, it’s certainly indicative of his inability to pull the team together for a collective good. Either way you slice it, Silva isn’t worth a contract extension in my opinion.
As far as Cavani is concerned, he may be open to earning less, we don’t know, but I still don’t think his performance this season warrants the kind of money he will command. Several top clubs would love to over-pay for him and I say let them. PSG can sign Mauro Icardi for €70 million after his loan expires and look for a bargain backup in the transfer market.
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