Making Sense of the Latest Transfer Targets

Summer has officially arrived, and so has a fresh batch of transfer rumors to get Paris Saint-Germain supporters excited for next season.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Jonathan Johnson from CBS Sports to discuss the latest PSG transfer rumors, and we also get an update on Ligue 1 broadcast rights.First, we get to the breaking news that Manchester United has reportedly made an initial offer for midfielder Manuel Ugarte. I get Johnson's thoughts on why PSG would be ready to move on from Ugarte after one season and whether he would be a good fit at Manchester United and other clubs who may be interested in the Uruguay international.Next, we discuss whether PSG should move on from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and instead use Luis Enrique's influence to potentially persuade Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams to come to the Parc des Princes.I also asked Johnson who would be a better fit for PSG: Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais or Stade Rennais youngster Désiré Doué.We conclude with the latest on Xavi Simons and what might be keeping him from returning to PSG, under-the-radar players at the UEFA European Championship and Copa América who could be a good fit at PSG, and the potential impact on Ligue 1 teams if a broadcast deal is not agreed upon soon.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

The Ligue 1 transfer window is officially open, and Paris Saint-Germain have already signed their backup goalkeeper. What else could be in store for the French champions as they rebuild for next season and look to replace Kylian Mbappé?On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Robin Bairner, chief editor of Football Transfers and columnist for PSG Talk Extra Time. We discuss the top players linked with a move to PSG, who might be leaving, and a potential breakout star for the France national team.Up first, we discuss the potential arrival of Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and whether another club could swoop in ahead of PSG to win his signature. It's been made public that the player wants to leave to play in the UEFA Champions League, but the Serie A club has stated they have no intention of letting the Georgia international leave.Bairner shares his thoughts on why Manchester City would be willing to part ways with Julián Álvarez and whether PSG could face competition from another Premier League club in their efforts to sign the attacker.At 19 years old, João Neves is one of the most talented teenagers in world football. Benfica appear ready to let him leave, but they want a transfer fee north of €100 million. Will the Portugal international leave Benfica and could PSG potentially swap players to lower the transfer fee?Leny Yoro is PSG's preferred center-back signing, but if he leaves Lille OSC for Real Madrid instead, who should PSG target? I ask Bairner about Kevin Danso and other defenders who could be a good fit at the Parc des Princes.The show concludes with Bairner sharing whether he thinks Bradley Barcola or Randal Kolo Muani could step up for France should Mbappé miss time due to a broken nose. We also get a transfer prediction featuring a player who is not currently linked with PSG but should be.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Kylian Mbappé is busy preparing for the UEFA European Championship with France, but that didn't keep him from revealing some troubling revelations about Paris Saint-Germain.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Jonathan Johnson from CBS Sports to react to Mbappé's comments about his experience at PSG, the latest on Xavi Simons, the latest transfer rumors, and I get his prediction on who will win the Euros this summer.Up first, we dive into the Mbappé situation where earlier this week, he said that at the start of the season, he was told in a violent manner that he would not be playing for PSG. It wasn't until Luis Campos and Luis Enrique intervened that he was able to play. We react to Mbappé's press conference and why there is bad blood between the former PSG superstar and Nasser Al-Khelaifi.I also asked Johnson whether he thinks Mbappé colluded with Real Madrid to leave on a free transfer and whether the Frenchman will be viewed negatively for chasing a trophy that he couldn't win at PSG.We transition away from Mbappé to another player causing drama for PSG. Xavi Simons was expected to return to France following his loan at RB Leipzig, but his future remains in question, with a decision likely coming after the Euros. I asked Johnson his thoughts on where he sees the Netherlands international playing next season.The show concludes with Johnson reacting to the latest transfer news that PSG is interested in signing Julián Álvarez from Manchester City and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. I also get his pick to win the Euros and which PSG player will have a breakout performance.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Paris Saint-Germain wrapped up their season with a Coupe de France victory but now must focus on convincing Xavi Simons to return to the French capital following his loan at RB Leipzig.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Justin from RBL Talk Podcast to discuss Simons and his standout season in Germany. We also dive into the latest rumors involving the Netherlands international and other players at Leipzig who could make the move to PSG this summer.First, we discuss Simons's season at Leipzig, where he scored 10 goals and recorded 15 assists in all competitions. How important was he in Marco Rose's system, and what is his best position?Next, we get into the latest rumors involving Simons. According to reports, the 21-year-old doesn't want to return to PSG following his loan and would prefer a loan to FC Barcelona, back to Leipzig, or another club. Justin shares his thoughts on the drama and predicts where Simons is likely to play next season.Benjamin Šeško is another Leipzig player who has recently been linked with a move to PSG. We discuss whether the prolific striker could be on the move this summer and if Leipzig and PSG could work out a deal involving both Šeško and Simons.We wrap up the show with Justin sharing other hidden gems at Leipzig who could be on PSG's transfer radar and his thoughts on the UEFA Champions League final.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Paris Saint-Germain capped off the 2023-24 season with a trophy celebration but also bid farewell to arguably the greatest player to ever wear the jersey.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to break down PSG's 2-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais in the Coupe de France final. We also look ahead to what's needed for PSG to take the next step, reflect on Kylian Mbappé's final match, and discuss our transfer wish list.First, we dive into what we liked in PSG's win over Lyon. Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring, and Fabian Ruiz doubled the lead in the first half. Surprisingly, both goals came off corners, which is something we haven't seen much this season. Mbappé and Bradley Barcola created plenty of chances, and the full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes joined the attack and were dangerous all match. Vitinha continued his stellar play, and we wonder if he's better than prime Marco Verratti.Of course, there were negatives as well. From Fox Sports' lack of promotion leading up to the match to the PSG and Lyon Ultras clashing before kickoff to the poor play from PSG's center-backs off of set pieces, we go into detail about what needs to be fixed going into next season.PSG closed out the season with a domestic sweep, having won the Trophée des Champions, Coupe de France, and Ligue 1. They also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in Luis Enrique's first season in charge. We discuss the accomplishments and what it will take for PSG to take the next step under Luis Enrique.We then hand out some awards, including the most improved player of the season, the most disappointing signing, and the goal of the season. We also talk about our transfer wish list and Dembélé's performance this season, and we conclude with talking about Mbappé's final send-off.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

It's a good thing there were fireworks after the match to celebrate Paris Saint-Germain's 12th Ligue 1 title because during Kylian Mbappé's final home match against Toulouse FC, there was very little to celebrate.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Marc Damon to discuss Mbappé's announcement regarding his future and why his legacy at PSG is so complicated.Up first, we discuss Mbappé's rehearsed farewell video that was posted to his social media channels last Friday. We discuss the timing of the video's release and the fact he didn't mention PSG's president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi.Then, we discuss the positives regarding Mbappé's legacy at PSG, but also some of the negatives, and that contrast is likely what caused some of the supporters at the match on Sunday to whistle when his name was announced. There's no question Mbappé has the best statistics at PSG and may be the best player in club history. However, he failed to deliver a UEFA Champions League title, and having his heart set on joining Real Madrid one day may have played a role in that.We highlight Mbappé's potential role in his transfer rumors over the years and how he may have traded being loved unconditionally at PSG for the level of control he desired to get to where he always wanted to go.The show concludes with us talking about PSG's future and why the goal has to be to build the best sporting project possible around Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, and PSG's other rising stars. If the club can do that, they may just win a Champions League title before Mbappé.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

It's been a difficult week for Paris Saint-Germain supporters. The club came up short of the UEFA Champions League final, and a superstar for the future may not want to rejoin the club.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Zacha from the PSG Talk Discord server to discuss the 1-0 loss to Dortmund. We also look ahead to PSG's future and discuss the latest Xavi Simons news.Note: This episode was recorded before Kylian Mbappé announced that he would be leaving PSG at the end of the season.Up first is the result against Dortmund. It was a frustrating night at the Parc des Princes. There was so much hope and belief that the club could overturn the one-goal loss in the first leg, but it wasn't meant to be. PSG recorded 30 shots, four of which hit the goal post, and failed to capitalize on numerous chances. We discuss whether there was anything Luis Enrique could have done and whether Kylian Mbappé's off-the-pitch drama impacted him in the tie.We then look forward to how PSG can improve ahead of next season. Mbappé's departure means PSG will have to find attacking options to replace his offensive output of 40 goals per season. There's also a need for a starting midfielder and PSG's defense needs significant strengthening with the knee injury to Lucas Hernández that will keep him out for six or more months.The show concludes with a discussion about Xavi Simons, who is reportedly not interested in returning to PSG once his loan at RB Leipzig expires. The 21-year-old is under contract with PSG until 2027, and if he's transferred to another club before 2025, PSV Eindhoven will receive a significant portion. It's a difficult situation for PSG to navigate and we discuss the likely outcomes.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

After a poor showing away at Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain must once again dig deep and come from behind to advance to the final.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to discuss PSG's 1-0 loss to Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park. We break down the game's only goal, Luis Enrique's lineup, Kylian Mbappé's performance, and much more.We begin with the rhetorical question of whether or not PSG realizes they're in the semi-finals of the Champions League and what an incredible opportunity they have ahead of them. The performance against Dortmund left much to be desired, and very few PSG players stood out on the night. We discuss Dortmund's defensive tactics and what may have gone wrong for PSG's goalscorers.Mbappé is the unquestioned leader for PSG, but against Dortmund, he was only held to three total shots. The Frenchman didn't step up like so many expected him to, and we debate whether Luis Enrique should move him out to the left wing and move Gonçalo Ramos into the striker role. We also discuss other potential changes the manager could make, including replacing Fabian Ruiz with Manuel Ugarte or Kang-In Lee.Dortmund's goal in the 36th minute by Niclas Füllkrug was a thing of beauty. Nico Schlotterbeck played a long pass over the PSG defense from the Dortmund side of the pitch, and Füllkrug was able to stay onside, control the pass, and finish with power and precision. We discuss the goal in detail, including Ruiz's poor effort in tracking back.Lucas Hernández was the lone defender who was almost able to block the shot on goal from Füllkrug, but as he did, he tore his ACL and is now out for six-to-seven months. We discuss that heartbreaking news and how Luis Enrique will replace him in the starting lineup.We then transition to the return leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7. Despite the loss in the first leg, many supporters remain positive. We try to predict what changes Luis Enrique will make both in the starting lineup and tactically. We also talk about the importance of PSG getting an early goal, whether Mbappé could position himself for his first Ballon d'Or by reaching the Champions League final, and we give our final prediction for the return leg.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Paris Saint-Germain entered Saturday's match against Le Havre ready to celebrate a Ligue 1 title with a win, but the visitors had other ideas and spoiled the party at the Parc des Princes.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to discuss PSG's come-from-behind draw against Le Havre, Warren Zaïre-Emery's big news, and we look ahead to next week's UEFA Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.We begin with the news that before kickoff against Le Havre, Zaïre-Emery was presented with a kit with "2029" on the back, signaling a five-year contract extension for the 18-year-old. We discuss the Frenchman's importance in the soon-to-be post-Kylian Mbappé-era and whether he will captain PSG next season.Next, we dive into the 3-3 draw against Le Havre. A win would have seen PSG clinch its 12 Ligue 1 title in club history, but sloppy defensive play from PSG allowed a determined Le Havre side to score three goals and force Luis Enrique's squad to score two late goals to squeak out a draw. We discuss what we liked in the match, including Gonçalo Ramos' header and assist, and the fact there were no injuries. We also break down what we didn't like in the match, like the forgettable performance from Randal Kolo Muani and the poor defensive effort.The second half of the show is all about the first leg of PSG's semi-final tie against Dortmund in the Champions League. We discuss Dortmund's recent result, a potential injury to a key player, and what lineup changes Luis Enrique may make for that match. While Ethan believes PSG should be a little on the cautious side and play Manuel Ugarte for extra defensive help in the midfield, I believe PSG should flex their offensive muscle and attack Dortmund on the road and try to put the tie out of reach as quickly as possible.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

After years of coming up short in the UEFA Champions League and suffering some of the most painful defeats the game has ever seen, Paris Saint-Germain finally delivered on the big stage to reach the semi-finals.On this episode of PSG Talking, I recap PSG's come-from-behind win over FC Barcelona. From Luis Enrique's starting lineup, to a controversial referee decision, to Kylian Mbappé's performance, I cover all the major incidents over the 90 minutes.I begin with PSG's starting lineup, which featured an all-French front three of Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola. After the first match where fitness issues and suspensions for Luis Enrique to adjust his lineup, the manager bounced back and played the ideal starting XI.Next, I address Ronald Araújo's red card after taking down Barcola as he sprinted toward Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Did the referee make the right decision, or does Xavi and Barcelona supporters have a fair argument?After the sending-off, Dembélé took advantage and converted a Barcola cross for his second goal of the tie. I talk about his performance and how important his goal before halftime was for Les Parisiens.In the second half, PSG continued the offensive onslaught, and Vitinha eventually got on the scoresheet with a blast from distance. I discuss his performance and why you could make the argument that behind Mbappé, he's been PSG's most important player this season.With the tie level on aggregate, it was time for Mbappé to take over and get PSG across the finish line. I talk about his two goals to put PSG comfortably in the lead. Could the Frenchman be thinking twice about leaving for Real Madrid?After the final whistle, PSG celebrated in front of the traveling supporters. I discuss how proud I am of the team's performance and look ahead to the semi-final tie against Borussia Dortmund.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.