Icardi out, Mbappe in doubt: The PSG players who could leave this summer

Robin Bairner

Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
4 min read

Icardi out, Mbappe in doubt: The PSG players who could leave this summer — © ProShots

Paris Saint-Germain may be regarded as one of the richest clubs in the game, but even the Ligue 1 champions have been forced to cut their cloth in recent times.

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While they once splashed out regularly on huge transfer fees, in the summer they are likely to focus on free transfers and tying down the players they already have, most notably Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

With Mauricio Pochettino in charge since the Christmas break, he will have his own ideas as to who stays and who goes.

Goalkeepers

No issues in this sector. Although PSG continue to be linked with Hugo Lloris and David de Gea, they have a superior player in Keylor Navas in their ranks. Sergio Rico is a capable understudy.

Third-choice keeper Alexandre Letellier may be released after a one-year stay at the club, but it will depend on what decision PSG come to regarding Marcin Bulka.

Alphonse Areola is liable to be moved on after a successful loan spell with Fulham.

Defenders

While the core of PSG’s defensive line is liable to be untouched, there are definite possible changes. Thilo Kehrer is the man most under pressure after a disappointing campaign. Given Pochettino preferred to play Danilo at centre-back rather than the German against Bayern Munich spoke volumes.

On-loan right-back Alessandro Florenzi, who has given good service this season, will have to have his future negotiated.

Midfielders

Danilo may be on loan from Porto, but his deal has an automatic purchase clause that PSG will have to pay.

Otherwise, Julian Draxler could be released after a disappointing stay in the French capital. His contract is up in the summer. Additionally, Kays Ruiz-Atil, a promising 18-year-old, could depart in search of regular football.

Ander Herrera, meanwhile, has struggled to earn game time this season, but with a contract until 2024 could prove tricky to move on. Idrissa Gueye has at times been inconsistent but has improved under Pochettino and is unlikely to be allowed to leave unless it is for a big fee.

No changes are otherwise forecast.

Attack

PSG’s area of strength this season is also their greatest area of uncertainty. Kylian Mbappe continues to be evasive on the subject of his future, while Neymar has yet to pen a new contract, despite all signs suggesting that he will. It goes without saying that PSG ideally want to keep both, although if they lost Mbappe, it would be for a handsome sum that could fund a swoop for Lionel Messi.

Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City will be attentive to the World Cup winner’s future, although it is the Spaniards who would appear to hold the advantage.

Additionally, Moise Kean is only on loan from Everton and does not have a purchase option in his deal. The 21-year-old has been very successful and is certainly a player PSG will not want to lose – although that will come at a price.

Mauro Icardi, meanwhile, will likely be allowed to depart if a suitable offer arrives. The centre forward has disappointed during an injury-hit season and could find himself back in Serie A come the start of 2021/22.

Similarly, Pablo Sarabia is a player that PSG may wish to shift on. The Spaniard has a contract that runs until 2024, in common with PSG’s other makeweights that suggest they may not be able to move on all the players they wish.