PSG is reportedly preparing a massive offer for Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, while Gianluigi Donnarumma faces increasing competition for his spot in goal. Despite starting the season as No.1, Donnarumma was unexpectedly left out of the lineup against RC Lens, with manager Luis Enrique hinting that only “ready” players will feature. This comes as Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, who was impressed with the clean sheet, could challenge Donnarumma’s position further. The situation raises questions about Donnarumma’s future at PSG and whether this marks a shift in the club’s goalkeeper hierarchy.
PSG Set to Make a Huge Offer for Key Barcelona Defender
Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona has been one of Europe’s top teams since the season began, and any remaining doubts about their competitiveness were erased last week when they triumphed over two of Europe’s biggest clubs, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Many Barcelona players have raised their performance levels this season, drawing attention from top European clubs. One example is Pau Cubarsi, who has been linked with Premier League club Manchester City.
Now, another Barcelona defender is attracting interest from a major European club, with Fichajes reporting that Paris Saint-Germain are keen on Jules Koundé and are prepared to make a huge €100 million offer for him.
The Frenchman has primarily featured as a right-back for Barcelona this season, but his natural position is center-back. Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in using him in that role, particularly since they are already well-stocked on the flanks with players like Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and William Pacho.
Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona manager and current PSG coach, is a big admirer of the French defender and sees him as a perfect fit for his defense. PSG also believes they can persuade Barcelona to sell the player for such a substantial amount, especially given the club’s ongoing financial struggles.
However, Barcelona’s stance on this potential transfer remains uncertain. Despite the substantial offer, it seems unlikely that the club would agree to sell, as Kounde has been a key figure in their defense since joining, and they currently lack another dependable right-back. Nonetheless, it will be intriguing to see how this situation unfolds in the months ahead.
‘I Want Players That Are Ready’ – Has Donnarumma Dropped in PSG’s Goalkeeper Ranking?
Matvei Safonov’s (25) summer move to Paris Saint-Germain initially appeared to challenge Gianluigi Donnarumma’s (25) position as the first-choice goalkeeper. The Russia international was confident in his ambitions, expressing his desire to claim the No.1 spot. “I don’t see myself as a No.2. I don’t want to be a substitute. If they make me No.2, it won’t be easy for the No.1,” Safonov stated.
Although there were reports suggesting the goalkeeping hierarchy was changed over the summer, Donnarumma began the season as the No.1, just like last year. However, the Italian goalkeeper has failed to impress particularly in the UEFA Champions League this season.
He was unexpectedly left out of the starting lineup for PSG’s match against RC Lens on Saturday night. After the game, Luis Enrique clarified that Donnarumma wasn’t injured, stating, “I want players that are ready,” offering a somewhat cryptic explanation for the decision to bench the former AC Milan goalkeeper.
After keeping a clean sheet, Safonov could remain in the starting lineup for PSG’s upcoming match against Atletico Madrid, with Donnarumma potentially staying on the bench, according to L’Équipe. “He was very good and it wasn’t easy for him,” PSG manager Luis Enrique said, praising the Russian’s performance in the 1-0 win over RC Lens. Only time will tell if dropping the Italian goalkeeper marks a permanent shift in the pecking order.
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