PSG’s Quiet Transition: Life Without Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is embarking on a new chapter, one that requires navigating the substantial void left by Kylian Mbappe’s departure. As the reigning French champions adjust to life without their star forward, the club has opted for a low-key approach, focusing on gradual adaptation rather than high-profile signings.

Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid, after his contract with PSG expired in June, marks the end of a prolific seven-year tenure at the Parc des Princes. During this period, the French international netted an impressive 256 goals, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer. His departure leaves PSG with a considerable challenge: how to replace a player of such exceptional talent and influence.

The Parisian giants have chosen not to make a dramatic statement in the transfer market. Instead, their strategy has been to build and reinforce the squad quietly. As PSG prepares for the opening match of the new Ligue 1 season against Le Havre on Friday, there are no splashy new arrivals intended to fill Mbappe’s boots directly.

While PSG’s transfer activity has been relatively restrained, the club has invested significantly in strengthening other areas. The summer window has seen PSG spend approximately 125 million euros ($132.2 million) on new signings. Notably, Portuguese midfield prodigy Joao Neves, who impressed at Euro 2024, has joined from Benfica for a fee that could rise to 69.9 million euros with bonuses. The defense has been bolstered with the addition of Ecuadorian center-back Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt for up to 45 million euros. Additionally, Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has been brought in from Krasnodar for 20 million euros to provide competition for Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Despite these acquisitions, PSG has not yet made a move to replace Mbappe with a direct substitute. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, a potential target given his previous success in Ligue 1 with Lille, has been linked with a move, but it remains unclear if he fits into Luis Enrique’s tactical plans.

The absence of Mbappe will be felt, but PSG is not devoid of talent. The club has retained the core of its squad from last season, including influential players such as Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola. Both wingers are expected to build on their strong performances from the previous campaign. Meanwhile, forwards Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos, who combined for 23 goals last season, will be key to alleviating the pressure on the team’s attacking front.

The era of acquiring veteran stars like Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos seems to be over, with captain Marquinhos, at 30, likely being the oldest starter in the team. The only high-profile figure to join the PSG ranks this summer, aside from the footballing world, is NBA star Kevin Durant, who has invested in the club.

Luis Enrique, who took over as PSG’s head coach, has acknowledged the enormity of Mbappe’s departure. “We cannot replace him with one single player. Forget it. There is no substitute for Kylian Mbappe,” he admitted in May. The coach’s strategy is to compensate for Mbappe’s absence through collective team efforts and potentially four to six new signings.

PSG’s approach this preseason has been understated. Unlike previous years, the team did not embark on an exhaustive summer tour but instead concentrated on training at their base outside Paris. Friendly matches have been minimal, with draws against Austrian champions Sturm Graz and RB Leipzig, reflecting a focused but restrained buildup to the season.

As PSG looks ahead to the Champions League in September, the focus will be on ensuring the team is in optimal condition. The possibility of a new attacking option being added before the transfer window closes remains open, but for now, the club’s strategy is to adapt and evolve quietly, embracing a new era without the dazzling presence of Kylian Mbappe.