The 11 players who could leave PSG in January

Robin Bairner

• 7 Jan 2022 10:08 GMT
• 6 min read

French giants Paris Saint-Germain are known for their big-money buys and in January they are likely to be one of the most active teams in Ligue 1.

However, PSG will be seeking to offload players rather than sign then, with their squad unwieldy and entirely uneconomical.

As such, there are a vast number of names who could go. Not all of them will, of course. Some will remain because others in their role will be shown the door, while others will simply have no takers.

What is for sure, is that PSG’s challenge of slimming down their squad will be a tough one.

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN'S MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS

Sergio Rico

A very capable back-up option, the Spaniard has been a victim of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s summer arrival, relegating him to third pick on the roster. He was not even involved in the Champions League squad and finds himself entirely surplus to requirements.

Thilo Kehrer

The German arrived from Schalke in 2018 as a player reputed to have massive potential but has never truly followed up on that. Now 25, he is in and out of the team and clearly a back-up option at both centre- and right-back. It’s time for a change.

Abdou Diallo

Diallo arrived from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 and has had a similar experience at PSG as Kehrer. It would be no surprise to see him sold in the weeks ahead.

El Chadaille Bitshiabu

The 16-year-old centre-back has been on the fringes of the first team already and could be allowed to depart to get some first-team experience. A loan to Angers has been mooted, with the Stade Raymond Kopa side fearless when it comes to throwing promising youngsters in at the deep end.

Layvin Kurzawa

PSG panicked in the summer of 2020 when they awarded Kurzawa a new four-year deal with the threat of the left-back departing before their Champions League campaign the following August. It was one of a number of rushed moves from the Parisians. The France international has played only nine minutes this season in all competitions.

Leandro Paredes

Reputedly a favourite of the South Americans in the dressing room, Paredes has had his moments in a PSG shirt but simply has been nowhere near reliable enough to lean on at clutch moments. The Argentine international is wanted in Italy and a deal could well be struck.

Georginio Wijnaldum

Whisked from under the noses of Barcelona in the summer, Wijnaldum reportedly wants a move back to the Premier League. He has not settled well at PSG, turning in a series of mediocre performances, although recently he seems to have rediscovered his lustre, suggesting that a departure, either permanent or on loan, is a foregone conclusion.

Ander Herrera

One of those who would be allowed to leave if a suitable offer arrived. Herrera has actually had a good season overall, scoring four goals in all competitions – a tally that only Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi can surpass.

Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe

An academy prospect who has featured eight times this season. He could be loaned out or allowed to depart permanently. Either way, he needs to hone his game in the decisive areas of the field.

Xavi Simons

Out of contract in the summer, the young midfielder has been touted with a move back to Barcelona. He could be sold before Barca get their hands on him, although PSG are in talks with agent Mino Raiola over an extension.

Mauro Icardi

The arrival of Messi has simply hastened the Argentine’s departure from PSG, with a move back to Italy hotly touted. When he is not scoring goals, he offers little, and his contribution this season has been disappointing. Most renowned for a social media spat with wife and agent Wanda Nara than anything else in the last four months.

Juventus are keen.