A look at how PSG could line up next season.
SEE ALSO: All the Premier League done deals so far.
One of the richest clubs in the world now, big-spenders Paris Saint-Germain could be at it again this summer as they look to continue their quest to build a truly world class squad to compete with the very best in Europe.
With big names such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani arriving in recent years, PSG have managed to win two Ligue 1 titles in a row, and they will now hope to make strides in the Champions League after being knocked out at the quarter-final stages for two years running.
Plenty of exciting additions have inevitably been linked with PSG this summer, while the £50m signing of David Luiz from Chelsea has already been made, for better or for worse. More players from Stamford Bridge are expected to follow, and here’s an idea of what Laurent Blanc could select as his first XI next season if he lands all the players being linked with the club.
Goalkeeper and defence:
Petr Cech – Despite being a key player for Chelsea for the last ten years, the return from a successful three-year loan spell of Thibaut Courtois could mean Cech is on his way this summer, with PSG said to be among his main suitors as they eye a world class signing in goal.
Dani Alves – Linked strongly as one of many players to be leaving Barcelona this summer, there have been rumours on and off that the Brazilian right-back could make his way to PSG as one of their many new big-name targets in defence.
Marcelo – Another La Liga star with Champions League-winning experience, Alves’ Brazilian team-mate Marcelo has also been linked with a move from Real Madrid to PSG this summer, though it remains to be seen if this key player will be allowed to leave the Bernabeu.
Thiago Silva – One of the best defenders in the world, Silva has been linked with a host of big names over the years, though he remains a big player and inspirational captain of this PSG side, and looks set to lead them out again next season.
David Luiz – Partnering Silva in defence will be former Chelsea man David Luiz, who arrives for £50m on the back of a highly disappointing World Cup campaign. Will this all-Brazilian back four leak as many goals as it did against Germany and Holland in the final two games of a competition that these players will want to forget fast?
Midfield:
Paul Pogba – Valued at around £60m by his club Juventus, French starlet Paul Pogba already looks like one of the best midfielders in the world, and is certainly one of the most exciting young talents in the game at the moment. The 21-year-old has come along way since being rejected by Manchester United earlier in his career, and is now believed to be one of PSG’s top targets this summer. The likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid are also interested in him, but it will no doubt be tempting for him to move back to his native France and play for the best club in Ligue 1 at the moment.
Marco Verratti – In a partnership that could become something similar to the one Pogba has formed with Arturo Vidal at Juventus, Verratti should complement the French midfielder nicely in a youthful duo that could go on to become one of the best midfields in the world for many years to come. Still not quite at his best for PSG, the Italian youngster may benefit from Pogba playing alongside him next season.
Yohan Cabaye – Slightly further forward, the former Newcastle United playmaker will surely be a more regular starter for PSG next season after having some time to settle in. The Frenchman was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League during his time at St James’ Park, and will be hoping to now hit top form for his new club as he looks to take his game to the next level.
Attack:
Eden Hazard – A long-time target for PSG, a third raid on Chelsea could come this summer in the form of a big-money bid for Belgian star Eden Hazard, who established himself as a truly world class performer last season. The 23-year-old notched up a total of 17 goals and seven assists in all competitions in 2013/14, and looks set to become a prolific goalscoring winger in the mould of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. If PSG can persuade Chelsea to part with him this summer, they will truly be landing a player who can take them to the next level.
Angel Di Maria – Reportedly a top target for the French champions this summer, Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria may be allowed to leave the Bernabeu as they chase the signing of World Cup sensation James Rodriguez. With last summer’s big signing Edinson Cavani presumably set to make way for a more natural wide-player, Di Maria and Hazard could be ideal signings to play alongside the club’s leading man in a 4-3-3 formation.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – The undisputed star of this team, one would expect the charismatic Swede to still be spearheading their attack next season, with last summer’s new-boy Cavani unable to displace him. What more will Zlatan be capable of with some improved service from the likes of Di Maria and Hazard, as well as Pogba from further back?
PSG transfer rumour XI in full: