PSG POISED TO OFFER DEAL FOR REAL DAYOT UPAMECANO
PSG are targeting Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano as their next major French signing. The defender's contract talks are stalled, potentially allowing a 2026 free transfer with Real Madrid also interested.
PSG To Approach Real Madrid Target - Photo Credit: Getty Images
In recent transfer windows, PSG has made it clear that they are concentrating on acquiring elite French players, as evidenced by the addition of Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, and Lucas Chevalier.
As the team attempts to strengthen its defence, it appears that strategy will continue. Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool has been mentioned as a possible target, but PSG may decide to focus on another well-known French centre defender instead.
PSG has apparently expressed interest in Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich, who is contracted through the 2025–2026 campaign. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the team is keeping a careful eye on Upamecano's circumstances.
If Upamecano decides not to extend his contract with Bayern, Romano hinted that a move would be feasible in the summer of 2026, possibly permitting a free transfer.
Though intense interest from other top European teams could make any deal challenging, PSG would probably view him as a crucial defensive reinforcement if he became a free agent.
PSG Is Prepared to Lead the Way in Dayot Upamecano
If Upamecano decides not to extend his Bayern contract, PSG intends to make an offer to him, according to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport. The player's representatives have also been contacted by Real Madrid. Upamecano's team and Bayern are still negotiating, but no agreement has been reached.
After 2026 starts, Upamecano will have the freedom to initiate pre-contract negotiations with other clubs. The French defender may possibly decide on his next course of action before the FIFA World Cup starting in the summer of next year.
When asked if he plans to have his future decided by the World Cup, Upamecano said, "I hope so," to L'Equipe (via Paris Fans). It is being handled by my agency. We will make the correct choice. I am receiving wise counsel. My season, club, and national team ambitions are my main priorities. I am not thinking about that at the moment.
The defender also talked about his present circumstances with Bayern Munich and whether he envisions himself playing for PSG in France.
Upamecano continued, "I have always maintained I feel pleased at Bayern." "My coach is fantastic. I have a good relationship with my teammates. Bayern has a deal with me. I have objectives. If clubs are interested in me, I would be really appreciative.
LUCAS CHEVALIER TIPPED AS PSG’S BEST LONG-TERM GOALKEEPING CHOICE
Despite early pressure and mistakes, PSG's new goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier is a key long-term project for Luis Enrique. His elite ball-playing skills are crucial for the system, even if his shot-stopping needs development.
Lucas Chevalier proves he’s PSG’s smartest investment - Photo Credit: AP
Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of the most controversial goalkeepers and was frequently criticised during his tenure at the team, although he contributed significantly to PSG's maiden Champions League trophy and first treble last season with several outstanding performances.
However, Luis Enrique unexpectedly chose to fire the Italian goalie in order to bring in Lucas Chevalier of Lille, a ball-playing goalie who would be a perfect fit for his preferred style of play. Chevalier's promise was well acknowledged, but some were surprised that a goalie who played a key role in Paris' best season was dismissed so quickly. It surely increased the Frenchman's shoulder pressure. But prior to the season, the Spaniard said he would be content to give up more goals if his goalkeeper was a perfect fit for his preferred style of play.
Why should Chevalier's performances not concern PSG?
Many now lament the loss of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is presently making a mark with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, while Chevalier has failed to leave a lasting positive impression after 17 games with the European Champions. Nevertheless, his unmatched ball-playing talent is already crucial to his team's build-up and will surely increase PSG's on-ball domination in the near future. Furthermore, he is nearly the ideal fit for this playstyle because very few goalkeepers in Europe are as skilled with the ball as he is.
The former Lille player has shown in Ligue 1 and throughout Europe that he has very promising potential, prepared to play on the highest stage, even though his goal-stopping skills are not yet on par with Donnarumma's. But for now, his performance falls short of what he ought to be able to produce at this level. Furthermore, the 24-year-old has already cost PSG dearly in high-profile matches against Lyon last weekend and Marseille in Le Classique.
Despite Chevalier's few errors, Luis Enrique and his squad are leading the league and are headed to the next round of the Champions League despite the injuries to some of their important players. Fans should have more patience with the French international during his debut season at a major club, but more will be expected of Lucas Chevalier now that he has joined one of the most formidable teams in Europe. Fans should not forget that they had the same scepticism about Donnarumma before his incredible six months that resulted in a triple with PSG, and Lucas Chevalier will surely grow into his role as he acquires more experience.
CHAMPIONS RISE AGAIN — JOãO NEVES’ STOPPAGE-TIME GOAL LIFTS PSG HIGH
João Neves' stoppage-time header seals a dramatic 3-2 win for PSG over Lyon, reclaiming top spot in Ligue 1. Warren Zaïre-Emery and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also scored in a thrilling match that saw Lyon's Nicolás Tagliafico sent off late.
João Neves seals PSG’s thrilling comeback win - Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Ligue 1 table's top spot was regained by Paris Saint-Germain, who pulled off a thrilling victory for the second consecutive weekend.
João Neves secured a 3-2 victory five minutes into stoppage time as they repeated their victory over Nice at the end of last Saturday.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles' incredible equaliser early in the second half appeared to give Lyon a point, but a dramatic finish that also saw home player Nicolás Tagliafico sent off. Lyon had twice responded from a goal down.
In addition to the points lost, Luis Enrique's team suffered additional injuries as a result of their Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich in the middle of the week.
In addition to Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, and Nuno Mendes were absent from this match.
In the 26th minute, Vitinha picked out Warren Zaïre-Emery's run on the right, and the teenager blasted a shot past Dominik Greif, rewarding the visitors for their more positive start.
Lyon needed just four minutes to tie the score after that, starting a run of three goals in seven minutes.
Before defeating Lucas Chevalier, Afonso Moreira remained onside and was discovered by Moussa Niakhaté with time and space.
However, the defending champions took the lead again as soon as Lyon equalised, with Vitinha once again serving as the creator.
The Georgian star easily fired the ball into the bottom corner after he found Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the edge of the box. Lyon unsuccessfully called for a foul on Tanner Tessmann.
Before halftime, Lyon tried to respond with a goal from Tagliafico, but it took them just five minutes of the second half to tie the score.
Maitland-Niles, a former midfielder for Arsenal, saw Chevalier off his line and chipped the ball over him from well outside the area on the volley.
The game seemed to be fading away after that, with few clear-cut opportunities, but Tagliafico's second yellow card for a tackle on Vitinha in additional time reduced Lyon to 10 men.
In the final seconds, Lee Kang-in's corner found Neves for a header, giving PSG the victory and igniting wild celebrations among the visiting players and supporters.
With the win, the Parisians are now two points ahead of Marseille again, while Lyon is again seven points behind in seventh place.