PSG strengthens its forward line.
Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) announced today the signing of France international forward Randal Kolo Moani (24). He has signed a five-year contract and will wear the number 23 shirt. The transfer fee is €95 million (approximately KRW135.2 billion).
Mouani has been one of the most sought-after strikers this summer. He made his professional debut for Nantes (France) in 2017. He then moved to Frankfurt in 2022 to challenge for the German Bundesliga. The move turned out to be a great choice. Last season, he made 46 appearances in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and providing 17 assists.
His performance earned him a spot in France’s squad for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar last November. However, his performance was highlighted in a negative way when he missed a crucial chance in the final against Argentina. With the teams tied 3-3 in extra time, he had a one-on-one opportunity, but his shot was saved by Emiliano Martinez. France eventually lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout and finished as runners-up.
Nevertheless, after the World Cup, the team continued to flourish. Naturally, he attracted interest from big clubs, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich, who wanted a new striker. But PSG was his final destination.
PSG were also keen to sign a frontline striker. This summer, both Lionel Messi and Neymar left the club at the same time. Messi became a free agent when his contract expired. He later joined Inter Miami (USA). Neymar went to the Saudi Professional League, accepting a huge salary from Al-Hilal.
Kylian Mbappe, who has been the subject of constant speculation, stayed put. Mbappe’s contract is up next summer. PSG offered the irreplaceable ace a new contract. But when he refused, they planned to sell him this summer. But then Mbappe decided to stay. If he stays at PSG this season, he will receive a loyalty bonus worth 120 million won. Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, and others were interested in signing Mbappe, but the deal fell through. Al Hilal offered a salary of nearly 1 trillion won, but Mbappe turned it down.
PSG, frustrated with Mbappe, began a series of blackmail attempts to keep him on the sidelines. The team traveled to Asia for pre-season, but Mbappe did not join them. 메이저사이트
However, the feud seems to be more or less over. PSG drew two consecutive Ligue 1 matches earlier this season. The draws were against Lorient and Toulouse, two teams several places below them in the table.
They eventually recalled Mbappe, who scored the winning penalty against Toulouse. He followed that up with a multi-goal performance against Reims, leading them to their first win of the season. While Mbappe’s performances were encouraging, PSG had to seriously consider their ‘Mbappe dependency’, and with the addition of Mouani, they now have a formidable force.
Mouani’s arrival also means that Lee’s role could change. Lee left Mallorca this summer to join PSG. He was one of the best performers of last season. He was the centerpiece of Mallorca’s offense with his flashy dribbling and crisp passing. In total, he made 39 appearances, scoring six goals and providing six assists.
He made his official debut against Lorient in the first round of the Ligue 1. He started two consecutive games, including the match against Toulouse, but Luis Enrique used him as a flanker in both games.
It”s a different role from his time at Mallorca. When Lee was playing for Mallorca, he was mainly deployed in the second line. He moved between the flanks and the center of the pitch to work on his attack. At PSG, however, he’s in a slightly higher position. When he drives the ball into the center of the field, the flanking defenders overlap. Lee still needs to adapt to this role. He hasn’t had much of an impact in the previous two games.
However, with the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain, Ousmane Dembele, and now Mounia, PSG’s role could change. All three players specialize in attack. Naturally, Lee could play in the same position as he did at Mallorca.