The 2022/23 Ligue 1 champions are close to appointing a new manager as Luis Enrique is ready to sign a deal at the Parc des Princes, according to the French football press.
Earlier this month, Paris Saint-Germain sacked head coach Christophe Galtier after he led them to the league title, the reason being a repeat of the club’s annual exit in the Champions League.
And now it seems that former Spain and Barcelona boss Enrique is soon to be unveiled after the club failed to persuade either Julian Nagelsmann or Mikel Arteta to consider the job.
Enrique has been kicking his heels since he was sacked by Spain following La Roja’s underwhelming performance at the Qatar World Cup, and now the 53-year-old looks like he’ll be a busy man again very soon.
While the Spaniard struggled to deliver as an international manager, he has a proven record as a club coach, managing Roma and Celta Vigo before taking over at Barcelona in 2017. He led the Blaugrana to a Champions League triumph and back-to-back La Liga titles at the Camp Nou with Lionel Messi and Neymar in his side.
As and when he takes over at the Parc des Princes, Enrique will say hello and then a quick goodbye to Messi, as the Argentine World Cup winner has agreed to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
It also seems likely his other Barca buddy Neymar could be on his way, as the Brazil ace has been unsettled in Paris for the last two seasons.
But what about Mbappe?
Life in Paris is never dull and the circus continues with its glittering stars making many more Ligue 1 2023 news headlines than do matters on the pitch.
Yes, PSG won the league title yet again, but the future of Kylian Mbappe continues to produce the most column inches. And here at SBOTOP, we have our suspicions that the France star might be on his way to Madrid finally.
The club captain hit the headlines last week when he wrote a letter to PSG bosses, saying that he intends to stay at the Parc des Princes this season but will not sign an extension to his contract which expires in 12 months time.
If he doesn’t, then the threat that he can leave Paris as a free agent in 2024 looms large, and I can’t see the PSG owners living with that.
Last year, Mbappe looked like he was on the way to Real Madrid until he made a late U-Turn and, after the latest twist, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given his opinion.
Rumours have linked Mbappe with a move to the Etihad. But the Sky Blues manager has taken to social media to dampen down that speculation, saying: “We will not sign Kylian Mbappe, he’s not joining Manchester City, and all of you know where he wants to go.”
For his part, Mbappe defended his letter saying: “I’ve already answered the question. I said my objective was to continue with the club. Staying at Paris Saint-Germain is my only option for the moment.”
The “moment” presumably meaning “this month” as PSG must surely be keen to recoup a big fee for their crown jewel rather than let him walk for nothing next year.
The Ligue 1 2023 betting odds back PSG as strong favourites to deliver again in 2024. But whether Mbappe stays or goes, Enrique will have a rebuilding job on his hands, and I’m sure he would rather start straight away.
Guardiola eyes Paris wonderkid
While the Manchester City boss insists he’s not in the market for Mbappe, reports have emerged that he is keen to raid Paris for the next superstar on the conveyor belt.
Reports have emerged in Spain that Manchester City are at the front of the queue to sign PSG’s 17-year-old star Warren Zaire-Emery.
The advanced midfielder had a break-out season at the Parc des Princes last year, making 31 appearances and, while the French champions are not keen to sell him, an attractive offer will be listened to.
With a physical presence beyond his years, Zaire-Emery has been likened to a young Wayne Rooney who also had the physique of a man at the age of 17. And City have a bargaining chip in their hand as they are said to be willing to include PSG target Bernardo Silva in negotiations. Guardiola has put together arguably the best Premier League side of all time and, while Zaire-Emery is only 17 and may be one for the future, the City boss is never slow to integrate young players, as he did with Phil Foden and Rico Lewis.
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