For French clubs, the transfer window will open on Monday thanks to a recent announcement from the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).
This means that Paris Saint-Germain will be able to negotiate with other Ligue 1 teams for players of interest. International deals are still on hold as a date is being decided.
The decision could work to PSG’s benefit. While Ligue 1 has been shut down, every other top league in Europe has either resumed the 2019-20 season or is about to. Leonardo, PSG’s sporting director, should move quickly to sign players in Ligue 1 that can improve the capital club ahead of other teams who are unable to make any official transfers at the moment.
Ligue 1 is known as the league of talents but only a select few are good enough to make it at a club as big as PSG. If Leonardo is going to make a move, here is who I think he should target:
Youcef Atal
OGC Nice’s Youcef Atal is a player that Paris Saint-Germain fans have coveted for the past few seasons. The 24-year-old is a pacey, attack-minded right-back and would easily come into PSG’s squad and become the starter. He also plays a position that Leonardo has prioritized this offseason.
Atal. Best full back in Ligue 1. Can play right or left.
— Ofthedoor (@Ofthedoor1) June 6, 2020
The only issue with Atal is his injury history. Last summer, he broke his collarbone at the Africa Cup of Nations, and last December, he suffered a serious season-ending knee injury.
Atal is under contract until 2023 and he’s admitted that playing for a club like PSG is one of his career goals.
According to Transfermarkt, Atal’s market value has dipped a bit due to his injuries. They believe the Algeria international is valued around €20 million, which would be within PSG’s price range following the €50 million-plus transfer of Mauro Icardi last week.
Transfer Rating Meter (10=done deal; 1=no chance): 7
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