When the summer transfer window opens, football fans immediately dream of players they want their club to sign. However, it’s important to remember that outgoing transfers usually need to be made as well to make room for those players in the squad and in the wage bill.
Paris Saint-Germain’s position is a little unique because of the departure of Kylian Mbappé. While the Frenchman left on a free transfer, just having his enormous wages off the books means PSG has some flexibility when it comes to making transfers. Since his departure, the odds for PSG to win Ligue 1 have lengthened, and if you check out the best football betting sites in the UK, you’ll see that they still stand 1/3, so the actual impact of Mbappe leaving is negligible when it comes to the outcome of Ligue 1.
I’ve already mentioned Mbappé as one outgoing player. Hugo Ekitiké, Edouard Michut, Noha Lemina, Keylor Navas, Layvin Kurzawa, Alexandre Letellier, Sergio Rico, and Renato Sanches have also left PSG this summer. So, who else could be leaving before the end of the month?
Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte is the top contender to leave PSG, which is surprising because he has only one season under his belt at the club. However, he is not an ideal fit in Luis Enrique’s possession-based style and is unlikely to see much playing time if he stays. The problem is PSG signed Ugarte for €60 million in 2023, and his value has taken a dip due to him not playing much. Manchester United are rumored to be interested in the defensive midfielder, but only for about half of what PSG paid. I think Ugarte will leave PSG this summer, but PSG may have to take a loss on the player and learn from their mistake.
Carlos Soler
Carlos Soler arrived in 2022, and since then, it’s become clear he is not capable of consistently playing at the level PSG requires. Soler is under contract until 2027, and if PSG can find a club willing to pay anywhere close the €18 million transfer fee they paid Valencia, they should jump at the opportunity. PSG’s midfield is crowded, and it’s unlikely Soler will see any significant minutes this season.
Fabián Ruiz
This choice may be controversial, but now might be the best time to capitalize on the stellar play of Fabián Ruiz. Last season, the 28-year-old midfielder was outstanding and was a regular in the starting lineup. This summer, Ruiz represented Spain at the UEFA European Championship and was one of the best players on the pitch for a team that won the tournament. So, why would PSG want to entertain offers for Ruiz? At 28 years old, it’s hard to imagine his value going any hire. PSG signed Ruiz for €22.5 million in 2022 from Napoli, and you have to imagine that PSG could command double that right now.
Randal Kolo Muani
Another potentially controversial choice is Randal Kolo Muani. PSG signed the Frenchman from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 for a hefty fee of €95 million. Last season, Kolo Muani scored six goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances and one goal in the UEFA Champions League. That is not even remotely close to what PSG expected and as the club looks for attacking options in the transfer market, Kolo Muani may need to leave to make room for a new signing.
