The three 'big signings' PSG could make after MAJOR Romano announcement

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 16 Feb 2024 10:19 GMT
• 4 min read

Losing Kylian Mbappe is a major setback for Paris Saint-Germain, but the French giants are hoping to usher in a new era with three ‘big signings', according to Fabrizio Romano.

Mbappe, 25, has informed Nasser Al-Khelaifi that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer, with the France international expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Arsenal and Liverpool have both tentatively been linked as possible destinations, but Mbappe looks destined to join Los Blancos instead.

With PSG losing their talismanic figure in 2024, it will mark the third huge attacking departure in just one year, following the exits of Neymar and Lionel Messi in the 2023 summer transfer window.

As a result, PSG are set to dip into the transfer market as they look to regain their status as one of Europe’s most feared teams.

Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos have ultimately failed to replace Neymar and Messi this season, despite their huge price tags, and PSG are now set to sign three huge names in 2024.

That is according to Romano, who reported on X: “Paris Saint-Germain already prepared their backup plan without Mbappé since December.

“There will be at least three big signings this summer.

“A top player to replace Kylian upfront of course; but also a top midfielder and a top talented centre back will join PSG.”

Who will be PSG’s three ‘big signings’ this summer?

Xavi Simons has been linked as Mbappe’s direct replacement, with the Dutchman currently on loan at RB Leipzig, but Romano’s comments suggest that a new arrival will be targeted too.

Rafael Leao and Marcus Rashford have both been linked, but Victor Osimhen appears to be a more likely target given the fact Simons, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele and Marco Asensio will provide adequate cover across the wide positions.

The Napoli star is heavily wanted by Chelsea, but PSG are also keen on landing him this summer, according to The Athletic.

While Osimhen isn’t the same type of forward as Mbappe, he is equally as deadly and arguably fits better in this current PSG set-up than the Frenchman. Luis Enrique evidently doesn’t favour Kolo Muani or Ramos, which has led to Mbappe being deployed as a central striker in recent weeks.

Playing in this role severely limits Mbappe and ensures he isn’t able to trouble opposition backlines as much as when he plays on the left.

Osimhen, on the other hand, would occupy centre-backs and would be a target man for Barcola, Simons and Dembele to find from wide crosses.

As mentioned, PSG are also looking to sign a new central midfielder and The Athletic have also reported that Barcelona’s Gavi is being targeted.

The Spaniard has been a long-term target for the Parisians and Enrique’s presence could help persuade Gavi to leave Barca. Enrique handed the teenager his senior Spain debut aged just 17 and he is on PSG’s radar as they prepare for life without Mbappe.

Furthermore, a new centre-back is the final position PSG are hoping to solve.

According to Romano, a “top talented centre-back” will be signed, which suggests the French giants will push hard to sign Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro. The France U21 international has been identified as a possible target in recent months, although Real Madrid are also extremely keen to sign the youngster, who has been compared to Manchester United’s Raphael Varane.

If PSG are able to sign Osimhen, Gavi and Yoro this summer, it would represent incredible business and would arguably ensure they are a far better team without Mbappe than they are with him.