PSG to save more money after Kylian Mbappe’s departure

Kylian Mbappé was revealed at the Santiago Bernabeu as a Real Madrid player this week, marking a new phase in his career. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain is working on building their team for the 2024/25 season, to cope without the 25-year-old star. Mbappé’s free transfer to Real Madrid ended his illustrious career at the French Club, and Sky Sports News highlights that PSG is saving €200 million annually due to his departure. 

However, last month, reports suggested that Mbappé is seeking €100 million for unpaid wages from PSG for his services in April and May. PSG argues that he verbally agreed to waive €80 million in loyalty bonuses and salary, but no formal agreement was documented. Potential legal disputes loom as Mbappé, through his mother Fayza Lamari, might sue PSG over unpaid wages and bonuses.

PSG’s habit of spending on securing the top 1% of talent across Europe to help the French team secure success in the UEFA Champions League is no secret. Huge signing fees and broad wages are constantly used to attract players for their sole purpose which has yet to be achieved. The departure of the Club’s highest earner would save the club extra money to invest in other potential talents.  With Mbappe’s departure, a year after Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. left the club, the wage burden on PSG has significantly been reduced by about 40%.

PSG SET TO SIGN A CENTER-FORWARD AS MBAPPE’S REPLACEMENT

Les Bleus have reignited their interest in Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. The French Club is reportedly set to make an offer next week for the 25-year-old, who is being considered a reinforcement following Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid this summer. 

New discussions between PSG and Napoli have begun as both clubs aim to agree on a transfer fee. There are no expected issues with personal terms, as Victor Osimhen has already approved the proposal from manager Luis Enrique’s side. Napoli initially asked to activate Osimhen’s €130 million release clause, but recent reports suggest club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is willing to accept a lower amount. Last season, Osimhen scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for Napoli. The French club is also interested in the Napoli duo – Khvicha Kvaratshkelia and Desire Doue.

UGARTE AGREES PERSONAL TERMS WITH MANCHESTER UNITED 

Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte is keen to join Manchester United this summer despite the club not featuring in Champions League football. However, the negotiation is still on since Man United and PSG haven’t agreed on the transfer fee.

Les Bleu is holding firm on their valuation and has set a price tag of £59 million ($76 million) for Ugarte. The midfielder, who transferred to the Ligue 1 champions from Sporting CP for £42 million ($54 million) just last summer, aligns with PSG’s strategy of building a younger team without high-profile superstars, making them reluctant to sell him for less. The Uruguayan started 27 games for PSG last season and featured for Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America. 

Manchester United signed Leny Yoro from Lille last week. The French youngster is represented by Jorge Mendes, who also represents Ugarte. Manchester United’s attempt to sign Ugarte is made difficult by strong interest from other top European clubs. Bayern Munich has expressed interest, and inquiries have been made from two Italian clubs and a  Premier League team. This increased interest from multiple clubs reinforces PSG’s stance on their valuation, making it more challenging for Erik Ten Hag’s side to secure the midfielder’s services. 

To sign Ugarte, Manchester United will need to offload one of their current midfielders. Scott McTominay, who netted 10 goals in all competitions last season, is a possible candidate for departure with many clubs lurking around. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who had a difficult second season at Old Trafford might be on his way out of the club.

UPCOMING PSG FIXTURES 

Sturm Graz vs. Paris Saint-Germain (Friendly Match, Wednesday 7th August 17:30)

Paris Saint-Germain will face Austrian side Sturm Graz in a pre-season friendly in the City of Klagenfurt am Wörthersee Austria, at the Wörthersee Stadion. The game will kick-start PSG’s journey for the 2024/25 season. 

The match serves as an important preparation for Luis Enrique’s men as they gear up for the challenges in the upcoming season. Players returning from International duties will be available to rejoin the training camp by the end of the month, ahead of the trip to Austria. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs under the new tactical setups put in place by Enrique, with new players joining the camp and returning loaned players trying out to keep a spot in the team next season. 

RB Leipzig vs. Paris Saint-Germain (Friendly Match, Saturday 10th August 17:00)

PSG continues their pre-season preparations with a friendly against German club RB Leipzig. Leipzig currently managed by Marco Rose will be a great match and test for the PSG team, as Leipzig has established itself as a formidable team in the Bundesliga. The German team warm up for an intense Bundesliga season having invested hugely in the summer transfer window. Both teams also have a mutual business relationship, with the most recent deal being Xavi Simons’s loan spell at the German club last season. 

This encounter will be a challenging one for both clubs. It will be an opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and for old, new, and returning players to showcase their readiness for the upcoming season.

PSG’s French Super Cup match against Monaco initially scheduled to be held on the 10th of August has been postponed. The wait to see the new Les Bleu team battle it out with their close rival for another domestic trophy would have to wait a little longer. 

Le Havre vs. Paris Saint-Germain  (French Ligue 1, Sunday 18th August 16:00)

Paris Saint-Germain kicks off their Ligue 1 campaign with an away match against Le Havre. Luis Enrique’s team will look to start their domestic season on a high note by securing a convincing win against a well-motivated Le Havre team. Former Nice coach Didier Digard has taken the position of head coach at La Havre and brings with him a wealth of experience. He and his new players would be giving their all to avoid a defeat to the French Champions in the first game of the season. As one of the title favorites, all eyes will be on PSG’s performance and how they integrate new signings into their squad and fair without Kylian Mbappe.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Montpellier (French Ligue 1, Sunday 25th August 16:00)

PSG’s first home game of the Ligue 1 season sees them take on Montpellier at the Parc des Princes. With a well-talented team, PSG will look to dominate against a resilient Mikel Der Zakarian’s side. Enrique’s star stubbed team will aim to control possession and create scoring opportunities, exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses. 

Playing in front of their home crowd at the Parc des Princes, PSG will aim to deliver a strong performance and claim all three points. This match will be an early indicator of their form and title aspirations for the season.

WHERE TO GET AVAILABLE PSG TICKETS

Secure Available PSG Tickets that are currently in high demand. See seat maps and compare prices to secure the best views. Secondary marketplaces remain your most reliable source for getting a spot in the Games you love as tickets from official sites are usually sold out due to this high demand. 

Paris Saint German’s upcoming season and fixtures promise fans a front-row seat to the excitement that the beautiful game brings. It’s a new era without Kylian Mbappe, Luis Enrique and the staff have their hands filled utilizing the transfer window to ensure the French champions are even more competitive next season, locally and across Europe. Ensure you don’t miss any drama, reserve your tickets, and rally behind the well-motivated Les Blues team on their journey through the 2024/2025 season.