Why Edinson Cavani Will Spend 2 More Seasons at PSG

Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat away at Real Madrid in Group A of the UEFA Champions League was the latest in a growing line of big-game flops from Paris Saint-Germain's €64.5 million club- and Ligue 1-record signing, Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguay international failed to connect his head with a sublime Maxwell cross from the left in the first half. Then just before the break, he inexplicably fluffed a one-on-one opportunity to equalise against Keylor Navas after Angel Di Maria's slick slide rule through pass.

After missing those two chances, Cavani's evening at Santiago Bernabeu was effectively over. El Matador became a spectral presence for the remainder of the contest, and the Argentina international took over as the main attacking threat for the visitors.

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PSG were excellent in the Spanish capital, much improved from their showing in the pair's first encounter in Paris a fortnight ago. However, Laurent Blanc's men ultimately came away with nothing to show for their dominance.

Cavani must shoulder a large portion of the blame for the French champions' inability to find the back of the net in Madrid. There is now a growing case to suggest that Les Parisiens should dispense with both the South American and strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic next summer.

The Swede is looking likely to leave at the end of his current contract—June of 2016—and PSG could start from scratch with their mercurial attacking unit by rebuilding around Di Maria instead of Zlatan or Cavani.

However, the chances of the Ligue 1 juggernaut letting both strikers—and, more pointedly, two of their biggest star names—leave Parc des Princes at the same time once this season ends are slim.

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What is more likely to happen is Ibrahimovic moves on and Cavani is given the chance to lead the line without the Swede. When asked to do that in the past, though, the 28-year-old has rarely looked convincing without the talismanic No. 10 also on the pitch.

Zlatan will almost certainly be replaced by another superstar name. An opponent on Tuesday night at Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is believed to be the lead candidate, per ESPN FC.

There are still concerns over Cavani's ability to lead the line for the French capital outfit despite the fact the 28-year-old arrived in Paris back in 2013, and understandably so.

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Although his overall scoring record for the club is not bad, he has continually missed big chances in the biggest games—mostly on the continental stage—with two big opportunities in consecutive away Champions League encounters at Chelsea over the past two seasons quickly springing to mind.

Realistically, though, Cavani, despite continually underwhelming on the big occasions, will see out his contract in Paris.

The PSG No. 9 currently has a deal until the summer of 2018, and Les Parisiens rarely allow their big-name stars to leave. Also, because of this latest miss against Real, potential suitors could have been put off bidding for the former SSC Napoli marksman.

Also to be taken into account is the fact he has the confidence of PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who called the Uruguayan "one of the best strikers in the world" when speaking with Le Parisien (h/t Goal's Alec Fenn) just over 12 months ago.

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We wanted one of the best strikers in the world and we took Edinson. Everyone must understand that PSG is his home and he will remain here for as long as possible. Paris is a city that he loves, he has every reason to stay here. Edinson is an excellent player and a great professional. He is very generous in the effort he gives and he's still working a lot for the team, without thinking about himself and his personal statistics. He gives 100%, you can see that just by seeing his attitude on the field, he plays in attack but he defends a lot. Cavani is a real fighter who is willing to die for PSG. I fully support him as I do it with all my players. The fans also love Edinson Cavani because they know he will never let them down. Through his ongoing commitment, he wins their support.

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The supporters might contest the Qatari's claims towards the end after his latest flop in Madrid, but on his day, the former Palermo man can demonstrate why he is held in such high esteem.

Regardless, concerns over Cavani, particularly his inability to perform in Ibrahimovic's absence, will remain for the time being. The debate will only be settled once and for all when only one of the pair remains in Paris.

Until next summer, at least, that will not be the case. Once Zlatan exits Parc des Princes, Cavani is likely to be that player left. Even though he will finally get to make the central striking role all his own, he probably won't be the team's only goal threat.

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Instead, PSG could, and probably will, replace Ibrahimovic with a similarly prolific player. This time, it will probably be one who can score from the left or the right side—most likely the former, which is the loose role Cavani occupies in Blanc's current starting XI.

Therefore, even though his responsibilities during the game might be altered, El Matador's general situation in Paris is unlikely to change.

Next season, there will probably be somebody more efficient in front of goal putting him in the shade for most of the time, like Ibrahimovic has done for the majority of their time together at PSG.

Unless Cavani can rediscover the same ruthless form he enjoyed at Napoli, his profligate finishing will continue to cost him the chance to be the French champions' main source of goals.

The chances of the South American predator moving on anytime soon are remote, though. He will remain with PSG for at least the two remaining seasons on his contract, but it is up to him to prove he merits the right to lead the line for Les Parisiens in the post-Ibrahimovic era.