Why Francois Kamano Is the Bastia Player PSG Should Think About Signing

On Saturday afternoon, Paris Saint-Germain travel to the island of Corsica to take on SC Bastia as Ligue 1 returns from the international break.

Each week, regardless of who they play, PSG will always be on the lookout for talent in their own league. The success of Blaise Matuidi ever since he moved from Saint-Etienne is a constant reminder that every signing doesn’t need to be an established star.

Sadly, at the weekend, the one player who has the potential to develop into a solid top-level player won’t be on show at the Stade Armand Cesari through suspension (article in French). Francois Kamano is a name worth remembering—and someone PSG should be looking at in the future.

Still only 19 years old, the Guinean midfielder has all the attributes you would look for in a player of his type, plus that little extra factor that makes you sit up and take notice.

After trials with AIK Solna in Sweden and Spanish side Villarreal, Kamano ended up in France to train with Stade Rennais. A move didn’t materialise and he would eventually sign with the Corsicans in July 2014.

On the opening day of last season, he was handed his debut off the bench as Bastia drew 3-3 with Marseille. Another sub appearance followed the next week, in the 2-0 away defeat to PSG. He had impressed then-manager Claude Makelele enough that he would then start the next 10 fixtures.

It was under current boss Ghislain Printant that he would flourish further. Finishing the season with four goals and three assists, making 24 appearances—19 from the start—a very impressive debut campaign in Ligue 1.

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This year, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Kamano would score the winner against Rennes on the opening day, reacting quickly to score an instinctive volley—starting the first four games, but a red card against Saint-Etienne has halted his progress.

His high-energy, all-action style can be a little reckless at times, and that was evident on his return to action against Lyon. Both he and Samuel Umtiti came together on the halfway line. Arms were up on both sides, it looked like jostling for position, but referee Benoit Bastien regarded it dangerous play—booking Umtiti and showing Kamano red.

It means he has only played 44 minutes of club action since August 30 and has put a stop to his bright start—missing the chance to impress against PSG on Saturday.

Kamano would be perfect for this type of game. With PSG set to control possession, Kamano’s turn of pace and ability to turn defence into attack would be vital. His long legs and direct style make him an ideal option on counter-attacks. It’s an area that PSG have struggled with in the past—the quick transition, being able to push the ball forward quickly.

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During his short time with Bastia, Kamano has shown his ability to play on the right of a 4-2-3-1 and as a winger in a three-man attack. However, you can see that he loves to push centrally and get on the ball in dangerous areas.

With the right development, he could become an exciting forward—versatile and skillful, with an eye for goal. Adept at finding space at the back post, his strength makes him an aerial threat, but his pace gives him an advantage along the ground.

Although still finding his feet and constantly developing, Kamano looks like the player PSG had hoped Jean-Christophe Bahebeck would be. The latter may have a keener eye for goal, but he lacks the physical attributes that Kamano has in abundance.

At this stage, Kamano isn’t ready for the bright lights of Paris, but he is certainly a player worth watching in Ligue 1 this season.