Since Kylian Mbappé left for Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain has been working diligently to rebuild its squad. The transformation of PSG has gone faster than most expected, with young players like Bradley Barcola, João Neves, Désiré Doué, and Warren Zaïre-Emery leading the way. With the team undefeated in Ligue 1 play this season, much to the delight of those using Betway Sportsbook, and looking at a birth in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, there’s still one position that the club needs to address once the summer transfer window opens.
In Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, PSG has two of the best full-backs in Europe. Behind Mendes, Lucas Hernández and Lucas Beraldo can slot in to provide relief. However, behind Hakimi, PSG has very few options. Nordi Mukiele is out on loan and his contract expires at the end of the season. Yoram Zague is another option, but he is young and inexperienced. The lack of cover for Hakimi, who is arguably PSG’s best player, could lead to fatigue and injuries, making finding a replacement a priority.
The difficult aspect of finding a player to sign is that they need to have enough quality to contribute when called upon, but also OK with not being the starting right-back at PSG. For example, Jules Koundé at FC Barcelona is a player I highly rate, but would he want to come to PSG to compete with Hakimi for a starting spot? Highly unlikely.
Instead, PSG will need to find a player who is looking for that next big step but is still young and relatively inexperienced on the big stage. Last summer, it was rumored that PSG was interested in Lutsharel Geertruida at Feyenoord. The Netherlands international ultimately chose to sign with RB Leipzig, but he is the kind of player PSG will likely target to back up Hakimi.
Given the amount of talent in Ligue 1, it would make sense for PSG to look around to identify a potential right-back signing. Vanderson of AS Monaco is 23 and would be a solid signing for PSG as would his teammate, Jordan Teze.
All of the highest-rated right-backs in Europe already play for top clubs. It’s an essential position, and any club that wants to win big trophies would have addressed that need. PSG has one of the best in Hakimi and with another signing, they could finally win the trophy that has eluded them throughout the Qatar Sports Investments era.
