Paris Saint-Germain Launches the “After Mbappé” Project

“We must not forget that we are starting a new project with a new team and a new coach, and we must take advantage of the positive aspects in the next season.” With these words, Paris Saint-Germain’s captain, Brazilian player Marquinhos, expressed the need for PSG to renew and move towards a new phase following their disappointing elimination by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals.

These words summarize PSG’s necessary step of undergoing a renewal and transitioning into a new phase, a change that seems inevitable, particularly with the anticipated departure of their key player, Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to join Real Madrid during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The next project at Paris Saint-Germain will undoubtedly be a significant one, as the club’s management remains obsessed with winning the Champions League title despite repeated disappointments. PSG’s recent exit in the semi-finals, following quarter-final exits in the previous two seasons, is another setback. This represents a new disappointment for the club, which has yet to achieve success in this prestigious continental competition.

However, this loss at the semi-final stage of the competition, especially in a season marked by the introduction of a new coach, a fresh playing philosophy, and a revamped team, may not necessarily be viewed as a failure. Spanish coach Luis Enrique has emphasized that he is already “preparing for the next season” without Mbappe, expressing confidence that his team will be “much better” in the 2024-2025 season.

Since Kylian Mbappe informed club officials of his departure from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, coach Enrique has been regularly substituting him during matches or placing him on the bench.

Despite PSG’s ongoing pursuit of the domestic double (the league, which they have already secured, and the domestic cup, where they will face Lyon in the final), officials and the technical staff are now focused on planning for the 2024-2025 season.

Internally, they have been reiterating for months that Paris did not wait for confirmation of Mbappe’s departure to plan for the future.

In fact, Paris Saint-Germain officials have been working diligently since they received the striker’s letter last summer, which indicated his desire not to activate the extension clause in his contract.

In reality, the situation is complex for the club: Kylian Mbappe, who is set to join Real Madrid, is a global star with immense charisma and irreplaceable talent. He is not only a commercial asset but also a key player on the field. PSG has worked hard to build his brand since he joined the club in 2017.

From a financial standpoint, PSG is in a strong position. The arrival of the American investment fund Arktos last December, which acquired 12.5% of the club’s capital for about 530 million euros, has further strengthened the club’s financial standing and valuation.

Therefore, the upcoming summer transfer window is expected to reignite enthusiasm in the French capital. Names such as Napoli’s international Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, Manchester City’s Portuguese international attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva, Barcelona’s midfielder Gavi, and former Lyon and current Newcastle midfielder Brazilian Bruno Guimarães have been in discussion for several months.

The mention of these names suggests that Paris Saint-Germain’s summer will be eventful. The Qatari project shows no signs of stopping or ending until the desired goals are achieved.