Paris Saint-Germain needed a left-footed center-back this summer transfer window. The capital club signed Lucas Hernández to cover Presnal Kimpembe’s role for the start of the 2023-24 season.
However, Hernández wasn’t the clear-cut choice when the French giants began their search to find a player to replace Kimpembe. Transfer window specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that the decision came down to the former Bayern Munich defender and another player.
According to Romano, Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte emerged as a contender for PSG’s defensive reinforcement at the beginning of the transfer window.
However, as negotiations and internal discussions unfolded, PSG’s perspective evolved. While Laporte’s attributes were undoubtedly appealing, the club’s decision-makers opted to pivot towards Hernández.
🚨🇪🇸| PSG considered Aymeric Laporte at the beginning of the transfer window as an option but Paris later decided to go for their top target, which was Lucas Hernández. @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/TScEKRiEDL
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) August 21, 2023
The French media and other outlets reported that PSG had paid Bayern Munich a fee of €40 million plus add-ons for the 27-year-old. While the defender is a quality player, his health is an issue.
Despite PSG’s slow start with a pair of draws in their first two Ligue 1 contests, Hernández is a bright spot. Additionally, the Frenchman can play the left center-back and left-back positions.
Furthermore, the defender is French, and so is Laporte, although he plays for the Spanish national team. So it’s clear that PSG was keen on a player from France to fill this role.
