That Kimpembe handball could have much more severe consequences than anyone imagined
Paris Saint-Germain’s unexpected loss to Manchester United in the Champions League could prove to have drastic consequences on the make-up of their first team squad, after it prompted a u-turn in contract negotiations with several senior players.
Reports in France have claimed that while contract talks were advancing between the club and Gianluigi Buffon, Thiago Silva and Dani Alves, the team’s capitulation to Manchester United in the Champions League has made the club reconsider their stance on extending their contracts.
Buffon joined from Juventus last summer, hoping to finally get his hands on the illusive Champions League trophy, but his fumble in the first half of the second leg against United allowed them back into the game and ultimately contributed to PSG’s exit from the competition.
Silva joined PSG in 2012, shortly after their Qatari owners first started injecting cash into the Ligue 1 club, but at the age of 34, the Brazilian could leave this summer.
Édinson Cavani could also be on his way out of PSG, six years after joining the club from Napoli. Italian news outlet Rai Sport have claimed that the striker could be set for a return to his former club, with Napoli prepared to bid €40m for the 32-year-old.
Atlético Madrid could be another possible destination for the Cavani, with Antoine Griezmann reportedly having doubts over his future at the club, tempted once again by a move to Barcelona. Atléti coach Diego Simeone is a well known admirer of Cavani and would no doubt be happy to sign him in the event of Griezmann leaving.
Luckily for PSG, they have one of the world’s best players waiting to take Cavani’s central slot in Kylian Mbappeé, who has played mostly out wide on the right for PSG so far. But the World Cup winner’s future definitely lies through the middle, and Cavani’s departure would allow him to make that move and improve on his already ridiculous goal record.
