PSG desperately want to sign a number nine this summer. However, in a complex and costly market, each of their five targets carries complications. Here’s the state of play and the likelihood of each potential move.
Dušan Vlahović, Juventus, 23, ~€80m: Marginally the cheapest but also the riskiest option – his presence on PSG’s shortlist says more about Europe’s lack of elite nines than it does about the Serbian’s form. Vlahović has underwhelmed at Juventus (10 goals in 27 Serie A games last season) after exploding at Fiorentina and, despite obvious talent, there’s little to suggest his effectiveness would change in PSG’s current setup. Goals in Ligue 1 wouldn’t be an issue, but Vlahović does little to improve PSG’s Champions League hopes, and there are more cost-effective options who would likely offer similar upside if Paris can’t secure Osimhen or Kane. However, L’Équipe suggests Vlahović is fast becoming PSG’s most feasible move, although Bayern Munich also see the 23-year-old as an alternative to Kane.
Gonçalo Ramos, Benfica, 22, ~€100m: Like Vlahović, a move for Ramos is becoming increasingly likely due to complications over the other three candidates – and it’s just as speculative. Talent notwithstanding, a good goal record in one Portuguese season and a World Cup hat-trick against an exhausted-looking Switzerland isn’t the CV of a player looking to lead a Champions League-winning forward line, especially without the creative upside offered by Kane or Osimhen’s dynamism. Ideally, Ramos would arrive in Paris after a successful spell in Seville, Newcastle, or Dortmund but his €120m release clause, which admittedly is likely to be negotiated down, makes that unlikely.
Harry Kane, Tottenham, 29, -€115m: Another 30 Premier League goals in a disastrous Spurs season underlined Kane’s quality – he’s arguably a little underrated considering his unique ability to effectively play as both a nine and ten simultaneously. However, the Englishman turns 30 this month and, with PSG either in or on the verge of transition, the window for success would be narrow. Kane is reportedly unconvinced about playing in France, but PSG’s strong relationship with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and the fact that Paris are not a direct rival will help, although they’ll likely have to bide their time. The prospect of Kane dropping off to play in Mbappé and Neymar (if they stay) is frightening, though, however fleeting.
Victor Osimhen, Napoli, 24, ~€150m: In theory, PSG’s priority, especially considering Paris sporting director Luis Campos has been a champion of the Nigerian for years. However, Napoli’s demands may have priced the entire continent out of a move, with Paris conceding internally that they’ll have to move on after having two nine-figure offers rejected. Given the shortage of quality in this position generally and what Osimhen offers in terms of athleticism, link-up play and intelligent movement, even when not scoring goals, he’s probably worth €150m in this market and, for once, it might be sensible for PSG to pay the hefty fee. Only Kolo Muani seems less likely for now, though.
Randal Kolo Muani, Frankfurt, 24, ~€100m: Potentially a good fit given Muani’s ability as a facilitatory striker and some success playing with Mbappé for France. However, it’s likely that the pair would only enjoy a single season together at most, with Mbappé stating in writing that he won’t extend his deal, which expires next summer. Campos has also informed the Paris management that he’s giving up on signing the former Nantes man, with Frankfurt in no rush to sell. Best used centrally but not an outright nine or ten, Kolo Muani also carries an unusual profile and would need a specific type of forward line built around him when Mbappé leaves to have the best chance of success. Even then, his ability to consistently produce elite goal-scoring numbers is (for me, very) uncertain.
Adam White | GFFN
