Paris Saint-Germain are in the market for a winger, looking for someone tall, quick and two-footed. Here are the players who might fit that mould.
Last week, Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier announced that his club were in the transfer market, looking to bring in a winger. His criteria were pretty specific: "We’re looking for a wide player… one who’s tall, strong, good with both feet and with his head."
PSG, of course, have a limitless budget, but Galtier's requests are precise and perhaps limited to very few players in world football. Ironically, PSG probably already have the best in Kylian Mbappe, who is, by some distance, the world's most complete goalscorer who can be utilised on the flank.
So, realistically, who could the Ligue 1 champions buy to satisfy their manager's necessities? A few players that either meet, or come close to meeting those criteria come to mind. Cody Gakpo comes to mind, but he recently signed for Liverpool. Sadio Mane is a similarly enticing option, but he is out injured and has only been playing for Bayern for six months.
Marcus Rashford, too, fits the bill, but Erik ten Hag has made it clear that the player is basically untouchable.
But there are some players out there who PSG could theoretically bring in. They have already shown interest in both Rayan Cherki and Malcom, both of whom fit the manager's requests in some senses. GOAL takes a look at a few others who could make an impact immediately and in the long run.
Getty ImagesRafael Leao (AC Milan)
If there is anyone who fits all of Galtier's criteria perfectly, it's Rafael Leao.
The Portuguese international is 6'2, fast as lightning, and immensely strong. He's also a terrific technical dribbler and can go either left or right. As his performances with the Portuguese national team and AC Milan suggest, Leao is best used as an inverted winger, cutting onto his right foot from the left. But Leao isn't just a goalscorer. He's tallied five assists in Serie A this year, half of his total of 10 last season.
And there's more to come from the winger. Leao is just 23, and will undoubtedly continue to develop. Although he would face heavy competition to get into the PSG side, the former Lille man has everything it takes to be a long-term star at the Parc des Princes.
Although Milan would be reluctant to sell this winter, the player seems primed for an exit sometime soon.
AdvertisementGettyRayan Cherki (Lyon)
PSG want Cherki. They have reportedly made an approach for the player, and he is keen on a move to the Ligue 1 leaders. Lyon, meanwhile, are incredibly reluctant to part ways with one of the gems of their academy.
It's easy to see why PSG covet the 19-year-old. He's a top dribbler and a creative player, ranking above around or above 90th percentile in all major dribbling and assisting categories among wingers, per FBRef.
Cherki is also quick, agile, and athletically gifted. And although he's not explosive, he seems set to be a top-level creative player for years to come.
The issue is, Cherki is more of a number 10, preferring to operate in between the lines and progress the ball forward, rather than hug the touchline and cut inside. Whether he's the answer to PSG's problems in terms of depth in the front line, then, remains to be seen. But he's enough of a talent that they might just be inclined to spend regardless.
Getty ImagesChristian Pulisic (Chelsea)
It was revealed this week that Christian Pulisic was on the verge of being shipped out by Chelsea before he picked up a long-term injury. With Mykhailo Mudryk brought in from Shakhtar, the American was deemed surplus to requirements.
But a move could still happen. And in some senses, he fits the bill for PSG. Pulisic is fairly tall at 5'10, quick, and although his right foot is stronger and Pulisic is a natural left-winger, he can play on either side. While the American has struggled with injuries throughout his career, he's been among the goals when he's enjoyed extended runs in the side.
AC Milan are rumoured to be interested — likely as a replacement for Leao. But theoretically, a Ligue 1 move could be a better fit for the 24-year-old.
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Getty Images.Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
Williams is an interesting case. The Spanish winger is quick, clever on the ball and immensely hard-working. He plays for a high energy Athletic Club side, and fits into the system as a true right-winger, preferring to stay out wide but capable of cutting in and running behind opposing defences.
He's not necessarily one that fits Galtier's vision perfectly, then. PSG hang onto the ball and stroke it around before looking for the right moment to break.
But at 20, with undeniable talent, Williams could be moulded into a more PSG-style player. Although he plays on the right, Williams doesn't necessarily have a poor left peg. Furthermore, he's tall, and deceptively strong despite his lanky frame.
Athletic Club would likely want to hold on to such an important part of their team, but Williams is one that would excite immediately and adapt long term.