da aposte e ganhe： The Parisians could upgrade in central defence, or go after a young attacking midfielder next month
da aviator aposta： There's not much going wrong for Paris Saint-Germain at the moment. Luis Enrique is steadily implementing his style, and so far, has navigated the waters of what was always going to be a strange transition period for the Parisians. The team has become younger, more athletic, and more direct than in recent years – a shift that has required a number of senior players to adjust their usual ways. And although there have been some disappointments – Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele haven't found their feet yet – the manager must be happy with what he's seeing.
However, that doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement from elsewhere. PSG have a few areas of concern. Gianluigi Donnarumma's poor distribution is becoming a real problem, while they are getting undeniably old in central defence. There is also an argument to be made that Manuel Ugarte could do with a mentor in central midfield.
The financial situation is unclear. The Parisians invested heavily over the summer, and needed to execute a sneaky loan-with-buy-option to secure Goncalo Ramos' signature. But this is still a football club rolling in the dough – with enough clout to make a big splash.
GOAL takes a look at some of the targets PSG could be looking at in the winter…
Paulo Pinto / saopaulofc.netLucas Beraldo (Sao Paulo)
Beraldo hasn't been a known quantity for very long. Of all of the talents to be scouted out of the Brazilian Serie A in recent years – Endrick, Vitor Roque, Andre – Beraldo has never really managed to stand out.
But now, given the scarcity of left-footed centre-backs at top European level, some of the world's elite sides have started to take notice. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have reportedly coveted Beraldo, but he seems to have chosen PSG as his next landing spot.
The exact details need to be worked out here — Beraldo has a €60m (£52m/$64m) release clause active until 2026 — but Sao Paulo's dire financial state has led to suggestions that he could be available for half of that price. Either way, if rumours are to be believed, PSG might just have one of their centre-backs of the future lined up.
AdvertisementGettyClaudio Echeverri (River Plate)
It would be typicalPSG to pinch one of Barcelona's top transfer targets. The Blaugrana have been public in their desire to bring on River's 17-year-old attacking midfielder, who has also been linked with Manchester City and Chelsea. A dynamic No.10 who can also play on either wing, Echeverri has already inherited the dangerous comparison with another playmaker who used to practice his craft in Catalunya.
That expectation is, of course, far from reality. Echeverri will not be the next Messi — no one ever can be. But for the Parisians, he might just be a handy addition in midfield. Luis Enrique already has an embarrassment of riches in the front line, but lacks a pure creative midfielder.
And for a manager that has shown very few qualms about giving youth a chance, Echeverri could represent a shrewd piece of business – as well as a chance to nick a target from a European rival. It has been reported that City have already struck a deal in principle for Echeverri, but PSG are unlikely to give up their pursuit until he signs on the dotted line.
Getty ImagesRayan Cherki (Lyon)
Will this rumour ever actually go away? Cherki, like every other young, promising French winger, has been linked with the Parisians for almost a year now. The two teams came close to agreeing on a deal last winter, but Lyon apparently walked away after Luis Campos' original offer was deemed insufficient to even enter negotiations.
12 months on, and Lyon are a much-changed outfit. The legendary French side are in deep trouble, and facing what would be an embarrassing relegation from Ligue 1. Cherki, once thought to be the presumptive focal point of this side for years to come, has struggled to get in the lineup, and was criticised by his manager in November.
It all points toward a player being made available who was once off limits. Time for PSG to swoop in?
Getty Yassine Bounou (Sevilla)
A summer target who could be made available again, the Moroccan goalkeeper spurned reported PSG interest for a Saudi Pro League move. So far, it looks a shrewd decision. Al-Hilal are running away with the league, having opened a 10-point lead at the top of the table.
But that doesn't mean a winter move can be ruled out. The Ligue 1 champions are having a tough time with Donnarumma, who has struggled in goal. And while Bounou isn't exactly the ball-playing goalkeeper of Luis Enrique's dreams, he certainly seems to be an upgrade on the inconsistent Italian – who might find himself moved on before too long.
How, exactly, this happens is tough to predict. Al-Hilal might not be the most receptive to a loan move, while it would make admittedly little sense to splash the cash on someone with little resale value.