The PSG Effect: Can It Help Ligue 1 Compete with the Rest of Europe?

When PSG announced the purchase of 70 percent of the club by Qatar Sports Investments, it ushered in a new beginning for Ligue 1.

The rumor mill began to crank out links between PSG and some very big names as transfer targets. Fuel to this fire was added by the addition of the well respected Leonardo to the post of Director of Football. With Leonardo’s soccer pedigree and understanding of the game backed by a healthy cash flow, it is easy to understand why PSG fans are excited and fans of other French teams are a little nervous.

The investment in PSG can have a multitude of effects on Ligue 1. Most observers feel PSG’s financial might will allow them to build a dominating team, leaving the rest of Ligue 1 to fight it out for second place. Some feel the extra cash will still not be enough to attract big names to France during their prime, as Ligue 1 is notorious for being a feeder league for England, Italy, and Spain. How the change in Paris effects the league will have a lot to do with how the other French teams respond.

If the rest of Ligue 1 continue to do business as they have for the last 10 – 15 years, they will inevitably fall behind PSG, creating a non-competitive league at the top. While Ligue 1 does not have the international appeal of England and Spain, the amount of teams who fight it out for spots in Europe seems to continually change.

It is not the same four or five teams at the top of the table every year. While Lyon has remained at the top for the last decade, they are the only team that has been there every year. The PSG investment could change that dynamic, taking away the one positive thing Ligue 1 has over the top leagues.

This summer has shown there are teams in France who are not standing still. While current champions Lille have lost Gervinho, Cabaye, and Rami from their double-winning squad, they have looked to fill holes and hold onto some stars. With most of Europe inquiring about Eden Hazard, Lille have to this point resisted the urge to sell the young star. They have also kept Ligue 1 top scorer Moussa Sow in the fold.

Lille have been aggressive in the transfer market, bringing in Benoit Pedretti from Auxerre to replace the departed Cabaye. Dimitri Payet was signed from AS Saint Etienne to fill the Gervinho void. Add young forward Rodelin from Nantes and Lille has potentially improved their attack options.

Marseille has also been very active. Despite losing veteran defender Gabriel Heinz and standout left back Taiwo, Marseille has been able to solidify an already talented squad that fell short in its title defense last season. Marseille added play-making midfielder Amalfitano from Lorient and experienced midfield enforcer Alou Diarra from Bordeaux. With a core group including standout keeper Mandanda and the attack-minded Ayew brothers, Marseille is positioned to compete for the next few years.

On the other side of the coin, Lyon has been in a holding pattern this transfer season. Already stocked with a talented roster, Lyon has appeared to be selling off some of their surplus.

A lack of teamwork cost Lyon a shot at the title. With many talented players vying for playing time, there seemed to be some discontent within the locker room. Lyon said good bye to Jeremy Toulalan, whose dip in form following the World Cup made him expendable. With the promotion of Academy coach and former player Remi Garde to manager, Lyon is hoping the change of direction will see a return to form for their squad.

The effect of the PSG investment will be determined in the next five to ten years. If the investment gets other teams outside of Paris to raise their level, Ligue 1 as a whole may benefit through stronger showings in Europe.

Making strides in European competition is one of two keys to attracting top talent to France instead of selling it. The other key is the continued battle over the entertainment tax that is attached to players in France. This extra tax reduces the amount a player brings home vs. the same wage in other countries.

While this is a political issue, there has been a push to exempt soccer players from the entertainment tax. If this were to ever go through, Ligue 1 would find itself on a more even playing field with the rest of Europe.

Whether it would be enough to raise the league's profile in soccer circles would continue to depend on the Ligue 1 teams themselves. The only thing for certain is PSG will be actively spending to achieve their goals; let us hope other Ligue 1 teams follow suit.