PSG Transfers 2022/23: All The Details You Need To Know

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PSG Transfers 2022/23: All the Details You Need to Know

Hey guys! Let's dive into the whirlwind of activity that was the PSG transfer window for the 2022/23 season. We'll break down all the arrivals, departures, and major rumors that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Buckle up, because it was a wild ride!

Key Arrivals

Let’s kick things off with the players who joined the Parisian giants. PSG aimed to bolster their squad with talent that could help them finally conquer the Champions League. Here’s a detailed look:

  • Vitinha: One of the first significant moves PSG made was securing Vitinha from FC Porto. The young Portuguese midfielder was highly sought after, and PSG moved quickly to add him to their ranks. Vitinha brought a dynamic presence to the midfield, known for his excellent passing range, dribbling skills, and tactical awareness. His arrival was seen as a crucial step in refreshing PSG's midfield options and adding more creativity. His initial performances showed promise, fitting well into the team's system and demonstrating his ability to dictate the tempo of games. The fee was around €41.5 million.

  • Nuno Mendes: While Nuno Mendes was already on loan at PSG from Sporting CP, the transfer was made permanent during this window. The young Portuguese left-back had impressed during his loan spell with his blistering pace, attacking prowess, and solid defensive work. Making the move permanent was a no-brainer for PSG, as Mendes quickly established himself as the first-choice left-back. This solidified PSG's defense and provided a consistent threat down the left flank. The transfer fee was reported to be around €38 million.

  • Fabian Ruiz: Adding depth and quality to their midfield, PSG signed Fabian Ruiz from Napoli. The Spanish international brought a wealth of experience and technical ability to the squad. Ruiz is known for his elegant style of play, precise passing, and ability to score goals from midfield. His arrival provided PSG with another versatile option in the middle of the park, capable of playing in various roles. This signing was viewed as a smart move to enhance the squad's overall quality and tactical flexibility. The transfer fee was approximately €23 million.

  • Carlos Soler: In another move to strengthen their midfield, PSG secured the services of Carlos Soler from Valencia. The Spanish midfielder is known for his versatility, work rate, and eye for goal. Soler added another dimension to PSG's midfield, offering a blend of creativity and defensive solidity. His ability to play in multiple positions made him a valuable asset for the team. He quickly integrated into the squad, showcasing his commitment and determination. The transfer fee was around €18 million.

  • Renato Sanches: Adding more power and dynamism to the midfield, PSG signed Renato Sanches from Lille. The Portuguese international, once a highly-touted prospect, aimed to revive his career in Paris. Sanches brought a unique blend of physical strength, dribbling ability, and powerful shooting to the team. His arrival provided PSG with a different kind of midfield option, capable of breaking up play and driving forward with the ball. This move was seen as a gamble with high potential rewards. The transfer fee was approximately €15 million.

  • Nordi Mukiele: To bolster their defensive options, PSG signed Nordi Mukiele from RB Leipzig. The versatile French defender is capable of playing as a right-back, center-back, or even as a wing-back. Mukiele added depth and flexibility to PSG's defense, providing cover in multiple positions. His arrival was particularly important given the demanding schedule and the need for squad rotation. He quickly adapted to his new surroundings, demonstrating his professionalism and commitment. The transfer fee was around €12 million.

Key Departures

Now, let’s talk about the players who bid adieu to the Parc des Princes. PSG also saw several players leave the club, either on loan or permanently, as they looked to streamline their squad.

  • Angel Di Maria: After a successful stint with PSG, Angel Di Maria left the club on a free transfer and joined Juventus. The Argentine winger was a key player for PSG, known for his dazzling dribbling, pinpoint crosses, and crucial goals. His departure marked the end of an era, as he had been a fan favorite for many years. Di Maria's contributions to PSG will always be remembered, and his move to Juventus was a significant one in the summer transfer window.

  • Xavi Simons: A promising young talent, Xavi Simons left PSG and returned to PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch midfielder had struggled to break into the first team at PSG, despite his immense potential. His move to PSV was aimed at getting more playing time and developing his skills further. This transfer was seen as a positive step for his career, allowing him to showcase his talent on a regular basis.

  • Alphonse Areola: The goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made his loan move to West Ham United permanent. After several loan spells away from PSG, Areola finally found a permanent home in London. His performances for West Ham convinced the club to make the move permanent, providing him with a stable environment to continue his career.

  • Colin Dagba: Youngster Colin Dagba was loaned out to Strasbourg to gain more playing experience. The right-back needed regular game time to develop his skills, and the loan move to Strasbourg provided him with that opportunity. This move was seen as a crucial step in his development, allowing him to prove himself in a competitive league.

  • Georginio Wijnaldum: Failing to establish himself in the first team, Georginio Wijnaldum was loaned out to AS Roma. The Dutch midfielder had a disappointing season with PSG and sought a fresh start in Italy. His move to Roma was aimed at reviving his career and rediscovering his best form under Jose Mourinho.

  • Julian Draxler: Another player who struggled to find consistent playing time, Julian Draxler was loaned out to Benfica. The German midfielder hoped to get his career back on track with a move to the Portuguese giants. His time at PSG was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, and a change of scenery was seen as beneficial.

Notable Transfer Rumors

Of course, no transfer window is complete without a few juicy rumors! PSG were linked with a host of players throughout the summer.

  • Milan Skriniar: PSG were heavily linked with a move for Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar. The Slovakian international was seen as a potential replacement for Thiago Silva, who had left the club a few seasons prior. However, negotiations with Inter proved difficult, and the transfer ultimately did not materialize during this window. The pursuit of Skriniar highlighted PSG's desire to strengthen their defense with top-quality players.

  • Robert Lewandowski: There were whispers of PSG making a move for Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker was one of the most prolific goalscorers in the world, and PSG were reportedly interested in adding him to their attacking options. However, Lewandowski ultimately joined Barcelona, ending any speculation of a move to Paris. This rumor underscored PSG's ambition to sign the best players in the world.

  • Bernardo Silva: PSG were also linked with a move for Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese international was reportedly open to a move away from City, and PSG were among the clubs interested in his services. However, a transfer failed to materialize, and Silva remained with Manchester City. This rumor reflected PSG's interest in adding more creativity and flair to their midfield.

Overall Assessment

So, what’s the final verdict on PSG’s transfer activity in 2022/23? Overall, it was a busy window with a mix of shrewd acquisitions and notable departures. The additions of Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, Carlos Soler, Renato Sanches, and Nordi Mukiele added depth, versatility, and quality to the squad. However, the departures of experienced players like Angel Di Maria and the loan moves of players like Georginio Wijnaldum and Julian Draxler indicated a shift in squad dynamics.

The failure to secure key targets like Milan Skriniar and Robert Lewandowski was a slight disappointment, but the club still managed to strengthen in key areas. The focus on adding younger, dynamic players suggested a long-term vision for the club. Whether these changes translated into success on the pitch, particularly in the Champions League, remained to be seen, but the groundwork was certainly laid for an exciting season. All in all, the PSG transfer window of 2022/23 was a strategic blend of strengthening the present and investing in the future.