The summer transfer window has been open for weeks, and thus far, PSG has only announced the signing of goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. There’s a lot of work to be done before the 2024-25 season kicks off, and defense remains a top priority for the reigning French champions.
Much like when you visit Bally Casino, PSG will need some luck if it hopes to strengthen its defense. Presnel Kimpembe continues to work his way back after missing all of last season with an Achilles injury, Lucas Hernandez went down late last season with an ACL injury, and Lucas Beraldo only arrived last January. He will need time to develop and get used to the higher level of football that’s required at PSG.
Lille OSC’s Lenny Yoro was PSG’s top center-back transfer target, but the Frenchman appears to prefer to follow Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid. As a backup plan, Luis Campos and PSG may want to look at Real Madrid’s rivals, FC Barcelona, for defenders. The Catalan club is looking to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao and may need to part ways with players to fund the transfer.
Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo is having a solid run with Uruguay in the Copa América, and it wasn’t that long ago that he was considered one of the best center-backs in Europe. With his contract set to expire in 2026, Barcelona could capitalize on PSG’s desperation and ask for a transfer fee of €60 million or more.
Jules Koundé
Jules Koundé checks all the boxes that PSG is looking for. At 25 years old, he’s young for a defender, and he’s not only French but also born in Paris. Koundé’s versatility would be a huge asset to PSG. While his preferred position is center-back, he could slot in at right-back as he does for the France national team. Achraf Hakimi is PSG’s starting right-back, but should Nordi Mukiele leave this summer, PSG will need a potential backup to Hakimi, and Koundé could fill in as needed.
Andreas Christensen
If Milan Škriniar leaves this summer, PSG will lose one of the few aerial threats it has. At 6’1″, Andreas Christensen would be an ideal replacement. He is a physical defender with loads of experience, having played in the Premier League with Chelsea FC, the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach, and now La Liga with Barcelona. Alongside the experienced Marquinhos, Christensen would help alleviate the pressure on Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.
Whether PSG target a Barcelona defender, or look elsewhere, the club has to address the lack of quality and depth in the defensive ranks.
