Paris Saint-Germain prospect Arnaud Kalimuendo agreed to a season-long loan move with RC Lens on transfer deadline day. The agreement between Lens and PSG does not include an option to buy, so the prospect will be returning to the reigning Ligue 1 champions next year.
This move was far from a surprise as Kalimuendo was not in PSG manager Thomas Tuchel’s plans for this season. At best, he would have been slated to earn playing time in a couple of Coupe de France fixtures and late-season Ligue 1 games.
For Kalimuendo, he realized that this move is what he needed at this stage in his career. He spoke to L’Equipe about why he agreed to the loan deal and his commitment to still making it with PSG.
“I could have stayed in Paris, but I made this choice for playing time,” Kalimuendo said. “Breaking through at PSG is not the easiest way. That there is no more reserve changed everything for us. PSG is still my club. If there is a possibility in the future, I will take it direct. I do everything to make this dream come true, even if it means going away.”
Kalimuendo has an optimistic mindset on the loan deal. He is excited about proving on just why he can be a capable forward in Ligue 1.
“I don’t see it as a regression,” Kalimuendo said. “This is the opportunity to harden myself, to show what I can bring to a L1 team. When such a club offers you the opportunity to play at my age, how can you refuse it?”
Kalimuendo is set to make his debut for Lens when play resumes following the current international break.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
