The Champions League is the greatest show in the world, but for PSG fans, it has been more of an emotional rollercoaster over the last few years. PSG have been knocked out of the Champions League last 16 five times over the previous 12 seasons, and many have cited reasons such as poor recruitment and management decisions. However, PSG has been making important moves over the summer transfer window, signing some of the top and emerging talent in the world.
Who’s Joining PSG This Season?
Ousmane Dembélé
PSG signed right winger Ousmane Dembélé from Barcelona for €50 million in August 2023. His contract will run until June 2028, which means PSG is investing much of its future in this young player who was the top playmaker in the 2021-22 La Liga season. Despite his age, Dembélé has important accolades, including winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France. Dembele also has Champions League experience with Barcelona, which means when the pressure hits during the round of 16, the Frenchman will know how to handle it. While Dembélé isn’t the solution to PSG’s Champions League woes, PSG does have betting odds of 14/1 to win the 2023-24 season. Of course, these odds may change, especially once the season picks up, so if you’re considering betting on Champions League with Paddy Power, it’s crucial to stay updated with Champions League betting tips.
Milan Škriniar
PSG also signed center-back Milan Škriniar in July 2023 from Inter Milan on a contract that runs until June 2028. Skriniar is a seasoned player, beginning his senior career in 2012 before eventually becoming the captain of the Slovakia national team. This seniority and experience are essential as Škriniar will know how to unite the PSG dressing room if tension rises before or after Champions League matches.
Marco Asensio
Spanish winger and attacking midfielder Marco Asensio joined PSG in July 2023 from Real Madrid. His contract will run until June 2026. Like Dembélé, Asensio has Champions League experience, even scoring in the 2017 Champions League final in the 90th minute, sending the final scoreline to 4-1 for Real Madrid against Juventus and joining Cristiano Ronaldo on the scoresheet. Asensio is known for his scoring and dribbling skills and even matched the average goal contribution of Karim Benzema in the 2022/23 season.
Lucas Hernández
The majority of PSG’s recent signings have been seasoned players with winning experience or experience playing in the Champions League, and the signing of Lucas Hernández from Bayern Munich is no exception. Hernández, who plays left-back or center-back, began his career with Atletico Madrid, where he played in the 2016 Champions League final against Real Madrid. Hernandez was also part of the winning French squad at the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
There’s no doubt that PSG is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but the stars have never been aligned for the team when it comes to the Champions League. But, with the team’s recent signings, 2023-2024 could be PSG’s year. At the very least, their year is to progress past the round of 16.
