PSG set to land Rennes gem Desire Doue on €60m deal

Paris Saint-Germain have changed their approach to the transfer market in terms of age, but not in terms of spending. This summer, it has already completed the signings of Joao Neves - Benfica, 19 years old - and Willian Pacho - Eintracht Frankfurt, 22 years old - for 60 and 40 million euros respectively. Now, they are about to confirm the addition of the 19-year-old Desire Doue, who plays for Rennes, for 60 million euros.

After saying goodbye to Xavi Simons, back on loan to Leipzig, Renato Sanches, loaned with purchase option to Benfica, Noha Lemina, transferred to Annecy, Keylor Navas, Ethan and Kylian Mbappe and Edouard Michut, who were out of contract, and Hugo Ekitike, sold to Eintracht, the Parc des Princes outfit has restored its good relations with the German and Portuguese leagues. At the same time, it has once again reduced the experience of its squad and increased its projection.

This gamble already paid off for Luis Enrique's side last season, when the Spanish tactician won Ligue 1 and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. A few mistakes resulting from a lack of experience on such a big stage torpedoed the French capital's momentum in Europe, its main objective since the arrival of the Qatari ownership, which has already invested 120 million euros and is about to increase its spending to 180.

Desire Doue made 42 appearances for Rennes in the Ligue 1 last season. Twenty-five of his starts came as a starter. He was also called up for the Olympic Games in Paris and his coach used him as a driving force in the final against Spain, decided by Sergio Camello's brace in extra time. Before the disappointment against 'La Roja', he provided an assist against Egypt and scored against New Zealand.

 

August 12, 2024