PSG undergoes changes in goalkeeping.

SGGPO 30/05/2023 13:56

Following the incident involving goalkeeper Sergio Rico, Paris Saint-Germain is considering changes to their goalkeeping position this summer.

PSG's goalkeeper lineup: Donnarumma, Navas, and Letellier

Current context

According to their roster, Paris Saint-Germain currently has four goalkeepers. The starting goalkeepers are: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Keylor Navas, Sergio Rico, and Alexandre Letellier.

Third-choice goalkeeper Sergio Rico, as reported by SGGP, has unfortunately suffered an accident and will likely be sidelined for an extended period. Keylor Navas' future is uncertain, while Letellier simply plays a "strategic role" on the bench.

Sergio Rico

Coach Christophe Galtier wants a player capable of competing with Gigio Donnarumma. While they already have Keylor Navas, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper is over 90% likely to leave, due to personal reasons and PSG's goal of reducing their wage bill. Navas currently earns €1 million per month, with a contract until June 2024.

Keylor Navas at Nottingham

The ambition and pride of a three-time consecutive Champions League winner will not allow Keylor Navas to remain in Donnarumma's shadow any longer. His agent, Jorge Mendes, has affirmed this, and in fact, he has proven his capabilities after half a season at Nottingham Forrest. Contact from Saudi Arabia has emerged regarding Navas, and PSG is well aware of the situation.

"Who is the new person?"

Foot Mercato confidently stated back in March that PSG would definitely be strengthening their goalkeeping position. The candidate was also identified: Illan Meslier from Leeds United.

Illan Meslier, the promising goalkeeper of the French U21 team, is a suitable option for PSG. Despite recently being relegated with Leeds United, Meslier's talent has been confirmed by a 58% save percentage per game (ranked 8th in the Premier League). Although Meslier has declined in recent seasons, this is unavoidable given Leeds' overall decline.

Will Illan Meslier join PSG?

PSG had their eye on the talented 2000-born goalkeeper since Pochettino's time, but the presence of Donnarumma and Navas meant the deal was overlooked. Now, it's not difficult for PSG to approach Illan Meslier for €22 million (according to Transfermarkt). If developed well, the youngest goalkeeper to start 100 Premier League games is perfectly capable of competing with Donnarumma.

Meslier in a Leeds shirt

Regarding a replacement for Sergio Rico, PSG is still awaiting the conclusion of his injury. In this situation, signing another player is unnecessary as they still have Letellier as a backup. Alternatively, coach Galtier could promote Lucas Lavallee from the youth team if he wants to maintain the current four-goal-choice lineup.

Conclusion

Goalkeepers aren't exactly PSG's Achilles' heel, but they certainly aren't a reliable anchor after this season's performances. No PSG fan can forget Donnarumma's disastrous mistake against Bayern Munich, which contributed to their early exit from the Champions League.

Donnarumma's mistake against Bayern Munich

However, Donnarumma cannot be dismissed simply because of his mistakes. The former AC Milan captain is only 24 years old, has a long career ahead of him, and his class is still recognized. But creating more competition for him is necessary. Keylor Navas will leave sooner or later, and a new player will eventually arrive...

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/psg-bien-dong-noi-khung-go-post691726.html