With Kylian Mbappe gone and Manuel Ugarte ready for Man United, what’s next for PSG in the transfer window?

Paris Saint-Germain have not been as busy as many expected after Kylian Mbappe, but head coach Luis Enrique was clear last season when he said he was building Les Parisiens for a future without the French superstar. The Spanish tactician’s work has paid off, with the Ligue 1 champions not showing too many visible changes to their starting XI apart from the summer signings of Joao Neves and Willian Pacho. However, Goncalo Ramos’ injury in the opening win over Havre AC could change that and increase the need for some late Paris activity as a number of senior figures are expected to leave the Parc des Princes in the next 24 to 48 hours .

We list the top names to keep an eye on between now and Friday’s transfer deadline.

Potential sales

Manuel Ugarte: After a long summer, an agreement has been reached between PSG and Manchester United, so this is expected to be confirmed fairly soon. The Uruguayan international is a tough midfielder who will provide renewed strength to Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils. Ugarte, 23, lacks the kind of technical ability that Neves has brought and Luis Enrique was rarely relied on in the last South American campaign. Making a small profit with a healthy percentage of each future move is also a good thing for the French giants, who can use these remittances and salaries elsewhere – especially further ahead.

Carlos Soler: The Spanish international, who is close to a move to West Ham United, is also expected to be taken off the books soon. Soler, 27, has been linked with the Premier League all summer as the likes of Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion were linked with the former Valencia CF man before the Hammers emerged as favourites. Only really deployed as a utility man under Luis Enrique, Soler has struggled to make a real impact in Paris and his expected departure could contribute to another significant reduction in the wage bill and the recovery of valuable transfer funds for use in other roles.

Nordi Mukiele: Another move that will soon pay off would see Bayer Leverkusen sign the versatile French defender who previously played for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Mukiele is only 26, but offers an option in several positions, which appeals to Xabi Alonso. Although it is expected to be just an initial loan deal, the German champions are gearing up for a shot at the UEFA Champions League and need players who can rotate with the potential to become starters. Things haven’t quite worked out for Mukiele on his return to Paris, despite some promising moments, and a return to Germany could help reinvigorate him.

Milan Skriniar: A difficult year after joining from Inter and the Slovakia international could already be on his way, with Al Nassr keen to bring him to Saudi Arabia. After a complicated and injury-hit debut for Skriniar, PSG are said to be willing to let him go for a fee, having signed him as a free agent from the Italian champions last summer. It’s still only 29 years old, but it could be a coup for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates, while also representing strong business sense for the French giants, who could use that money for a versatile defender or an attacking reinforcement. Given that the Saudi transfer window does not close at the same time as the European transfer window, this is not yet a burning priority.

Danilo Pereira: The versatile Portugal international is well-liked and considered an influential senior figure for PSG, but his ability to play in defensive midfield and central defense is less convincing with Luis Enrique. Now 32, it’s time for one last possible move and there are options for the former FC Porto man from AS Monaco who are interested in keeping him in the French top flight, while a Saudi move for Skrinar is also an option now Al-Ittihad has made a choice. move for Danilo. Should Paris not want to allow the strengthening of Les Monegasques, the Saudi market would still be open for business, so this issue does not necessarily have to be decided this week either.

Potential signings

Defense: PSG looks very well-stocked in midfield with new gem Neves alongside the impressive Vitinha, homegrown prodigy Warren Zaire-Emery, UEFA Euro 2024 standout Fabian Ruiz, new signing Desire Doue and the versatile Kang-in Lee. However, such depth was problematic in defense and versatile player profiles such as Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida were important. The Dutch international was close to joining Aston Villa this summer but has yet to officially move, while PSG’s Bradley Locko was Stade Brestois 29’s main full-back until an unfortunate long-term injury ruined those plans. Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez are a long way from being back, so ideally a versatile full-back who can play on one or both sides as well as centrally would be useful – hence Geertruida’s interest.

Attack: An exciting and versatile attack profile could also be important for Les Parisiens and therefore United’s Jadon Sancho should not be completely ruled out at this stage. A focal point like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is unlikely given Luis Enrique’s style and the struggle to accommodate the injured Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani at the same time as Mbappe. The Nigerian would be a return to that kind of power struggle, while PSG’s start to the season has seen Bradley Barcola flourish out wide – which should remain the case – and Lee getting game time and scoring alongside Marco Asensio. used as a false nine now that Ramos is injured. It feels like PSG might be two versatile players who aren’t a very competitive side after last year’s domestic double and strong UEFA Champions League run.