Three Under-the-Radar Transfer Moves PSG Should Make in the Summer
During Paris Saint-Germain's 5-1 aggregate defeat to FC Barcelona on Tuesday night it was clear that Laurent Blanc needs to strengthen his squad this summer.
The damage was done in the first leg when PSG were soundly beaten with both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti suspended—plus having to count on David Luiz for 70 minutes when Thiago Silva came off in the first half.
Defeat in the first leg exposed just how small the PSG squad is, despite the amount of money that has been spent since Qatar Sports Investment took over in 2011.
That doesn't mean Blanc needs to go out and spend £50 million on a defender, or go all-in for just one big-name signing. It means they need to be smart and make sure next season's squad has more depth to it.
To do this effectively, the club needs to look within Ligue 1 and bring in two or three players that can not only help in the league, but show enough potential that they could follow in the footsteps of someone like Blaise Matuidi and progress into a top player.
Here are three under-the-radar moves PSG should make in the summer.
Uros Spajic: Toulouse FC
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Zoumana Camara is no longer a viable fourth option in the centre of PSG's defence, so it would be ideal if they could bring in a young-ish player to take the role and look to break into the first team.
There is still a chance that Toulouse could be relegated this season, giving the Parisians the opportunity to prise the Serbian defender away from the rose city.
Due to injuries, the 22-year-old has only played 17 games this season, but he has impressed in short spells.
The former Red Star Belgrade defender reads the game well, looking to intercept the ball rather than be forced to make risky tackles. Spajic is highly regarded within the league and has the perfect profile for PSG.
Paul-Georges Ntep: Stade Rennais
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In the January transfer window, Blanc revealed that he would like to have signed a left-sided attacker, via Le Parisien (h/t GetFootballNewsFrance). With Fichajes.net (h/t Metro) reporting that Ezequiel Lavezzi could be leaving this summer, PSG need a replacement—Ntep would be a very exciting addition to the squad.
The former France under-21 international has blistering pace and a keen eye for goal. Defenders find it very hard to stop him cutting in from the left and firing off blistering shots on his right foot.
In his first full season with Rennes, the 22-year-old has scored nine goals and set up another five.
The former Auxerre man has struck up a great partnership with central midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, something that could be emulated with Marco Verratti or Blaise Matuidi to even greater effect.
Jordan Veretout: FC Nantes
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The ever increasing decline of Yohan Cabaye is sad to watch every week, but it does open the door for another young player to make their mark at the capital club. Although PSG does already have Adrien Rabiot, signing someone like Jordan Veretout would add another dynamic edge to the midfield.
His second half of the season has been quiet, but this also has to do with Nantes’ own struggles. The under-20 World Cup winner has still scored six goals this season, adding five assists.
According to WhoScored.com, he averages more shots and more key passes per game than Marco Verratti. He can play as a defensive midfielder, in the box-to-box role and as a No. 10. Given the chance to grow and develop in the PSG midfield, his potential at still only 22 years old could prove to be massive.
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