The winter transfer market for footballers will open on the night of Sunday December 31 to Monday January 1 in Ligue 1. This is the opportunity to see the return of the Kylian Mbappé file, the PSG prodigy, now free to join engage wherever he wants. Moreover, Olympique Lyonnais, which wishes to strengthen its workforcewill also be closely monitored.
At PSG: Mbappé and the arrival of two Brazilians
In Paris, the upcoming signing of the two Brazilians, Corinthians central midfielder Gabriel Moscardo (18 years old) and central defender Lucas Beraldo (20 years old), will not completely overshadow the return of the Mbappé file, whose contract is coming to an end. expires in June.
Both arrived in Paris on Friday, they took exams at the PSG Campus. According to a source close to the club at AFP, they will be signed very soon and “fit perfectly into the new transformation of the club”; is young, not “bling-bling”, important for the collective and financially viable with long contracts so that costs are amortized, and low salaries, a value which will grow over time.
Faced with these two arrivals – which could be the only ones this winter unless the club starts looking for a left back to deal with Nuno Mendes’ long injury – PSG would still like to see Hugo Ekitike leave, who is not hasn’t played since the start of the season, or defender Layvin Kurzawa. Beyond these files, there will obviously be that of Kylian Mbappé who will return to the top of the pile on Monday. Because the captain of the Blues will be free to sign up with anyone for next season, as was the case at the start of 2022.
At OM: a left back as reinforcement
“There are positions where we are a little tight, notably that of left back. There is also the special situation until mid-February with the CAN (African Cup of Nations, Editor’s note). We have to deal with it, and it’s the same for Valentin Rongier’s injury,” declared Pablo Longoria at a press conference on December 21, in the form of an assessment of the first part of the season, finished in 6th place, with six points. from the podium.
During the CAN, OM will lose eight players, including several important starters, such as Congolese central defender Chancel Mbemba, Moroccan midfielder Amine Harit or Senegalese attackers Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr. Which reduces the chances of departures this winter and probable movements, even if big offers are looked at, such as those concerning Azzedine Ounahi, who would be of interest in Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, upon his arrival, coach Gennaro Gattuso made it clear that he wanted one or more wingers, at the time when the Italian played in 4-3-3 (and not in 3-5-2 like these last time). The payroll control, announced at the end of November by the DNCG, the body responsible for monitoring the accounts of French professional clubs, will not prevent you from being active if the club wishes to do so during the transfer window.
At OL: movement in sight
Even if OL finished better the first part of the season which was a disaster until November, the managers including John Textor want to strengthen the squad. Authorized to recruit by the DNCG but limited by its payroll, the club could spend a large sum – around 50 million euros – this winter, with the aim of strengthening each line (particularly in the middle and in attack) of the Pierre Sage’s team, confirmed in his position. The American owner reportedly planned to sign two Brazilians from Botafogo, goalkeeper Lucas Perri and central defender Adryelson, for 20 million euros.
READ ALSO The tops and flops of French sport in 2023According to The Team, OL would also be interested in defender Clément Lenglet (Aston Villa), Bosnian defensive midfielder Rade Krunic (AC Milan) and Algerian winger Saïd Benrahma (West Ham). In terms of departures, Lyon could send center back Sinaly Diomandé, as well as Henrique and Jeffinho.
Elsewhere in France, movements are also planned in Toulouse, 16th and in great difficulty, or in Strasbourg where the leaders are looking for an attacker and a left back. In Nice, second in L1, the leaders know that their French central defender Jean-Clair Todibo is very popular, therefore hoping to recruit a replacement in the event of his departure.
