Why PSG Must Consider Possible Summer Transfer of Edinson Cavani with Caution

The month of April was always going to be make or break for Paris Saint-Germain. For Edinson Cavani, it has been the perfect microcosm for his entire season.

Poor performances have been followed by encouraging displays. Excellent finishes mixed together with missed chances. However, with his career in the balance, the Parisian club need to tread very carefully before deciding where Cavani’s future lies next season.

There has been plenty of speculation linking him with a move away from the club—Manchester United are rumoured to be very interested, as suggested by Le Parisien (h/t Michael Gadd of the Daily Mail)—but this week, club President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, via Le Parisien (h/t ESPN FC), advised potential suitors that any bids for the 28-year-old would be ignored:

"I won't even look at it," the Qatari stated. "I don't have a meeting with him. He's young, and the future of the club. He needs more confidence, but his last game proves his talent. He'll be Parisian next season."

With every day there seems to be another striker linked with a move to the French capital in the summer, but with financial fair play restrictions in place, it is unlikely any move would be possible until Cavani was sold.

"

Le Parisien also moots moves for Sevilla's Carlos Bacca (€18-€20m) or the ubiquitous Memphis Dupay (€30m). #PSG

— PSG Tourist (@PSGTourist) April 24, 2015"

The clarification from Al-Khelaifi follows similar comments from the Uruguayan forward last week, declaring he would be playing for PSG next season.

“There is too much talk about my future but I will remain here,” Cavani told Sky Italia (h/t ESPN FC) after the Barcelona defeat.

“I will respect my contract and I'm only focusing on doing well for PSG.”

The month started with a poor performance against Marseille, and until his penalty away at Nice, he had gone 670 minutes without a Ligue 1 goal. Not exactly the form you want from a player that cost €64 million—and not the form of a forward you can base your whole attack around.

However, coming on as a substitute, he scored a double against Bastia in the Coupe de la Ligue final, showing glimpses of the old Cavani. Yet, when push came to shove and PSG were faced with two legs against Barcelona in the Champions League, the former Napoli man went missing in action.

L’Equipe put the exclamation mark on that point by giving him a score of 3/10 for both games against Luis Enrique’s side.

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L'Equipe ratings for @FCBarcelona v @PSG_inside pic.twitter.com/pQSCveO8Bc

— FFW (@FrenchFtWeekly) April 21, 2015"

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s three-game league ban gave the Uruguayan a chance to impress on his own, and in the league at least, this time he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Behind the blossoming creative force of Javier Pastore, Cavani scored twice against Lille in the 6-1 win and notched the second in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Metz after an impressive, strong solo run.

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All PSG needed to do to get #Cavani scoring goals was to take #Zlatan out of the team!!! Another beautiful finish from #EdinsonCavani

— IAN PAUL JOY (@JOYPAULIAN) April 28, 2015"

Some believe that the upturn in form of both Pastore and Cavani without Ibrahimovic in the side is no fluke. Against Barcelona, there was a lack of movement, and too often players were getting in each other’s way.

Especially against Lille, everyone seemed to slot together better, and the movement and style of play was breathtaking to watch.

PSG need to decide who is more important to their long-term future. With Ibrahimovic’s contract up at the end of the 2015/16 season, plans have to be made for a post-Zlatan world. But another season for Cavani as the Swede’s No. 2 may be too much for the Uruguayan and PSG to cope with.

Michel Euler/Associated Press

If PSG sell Cavani, they need to find someone capable of replacing not only his goals, but his work rate and industry. They need to be flexible and willing to play second-fiddle to Ibrahimovic.

Zlatan is still a huge force on his day, but it would be extremely risky to go through the whole season without serious back-up. This season has shown that age is catching up with the Swedish forward. Injuries are taking their toll, and he would be unlikely to play a huge part in attacking four fronts next season.

They say you are always better with the devil you know. This month has shown what can happen when you allow PSG attack to play with more freedom. Having Cavani in the front line next season with the same freedom would be very intriguing to watch.

Signing a new player is always a risk, but in 12 months’ time, that new signing would be PSG’s main attacking option. Having Cavani leading the attack once Ibrahimovic calls it a day in the capital may just be what the club need in a time of transition.

Selling Cavani this summer will remain an option until the transfer window closes, but PSG will need to make sure the player that comes in is ready to carry a very heavy burden.