Paris Saint-Germain's star-studded front three could soon be consigned to the history books. Lionel Messi, Neymar Junior and Kylian Mbappe 🍉 may have their days numbered as an attacking trio.
The French club are making plans for next season, following yet another 🍉 disappointing campaign at the continental level. The future of head coach Cristophe Galtier is in doubt and so too that 🍉 of the iconic forward line.
New direction
The idea the Parisians are leaning towards at the moment is a change of direction, 🍉 a new look, a distinct identity. Their 'Galactico' era hasn't brought success, so the time has come to freshen things 🍉 up and try something new.
The plan is to build a new team of young French talent, led by Mbappe, who 🍉 embodies the best of the domestic product. This change of course to invest in young and rising talent mirrors Real 🍉 Madrid's change in policy in recent years.
The French club also want to grow a greater sense of identity and a 🍉 connection between team and fans. A more sustainable financial approach, coupled with a greater French presence in the squad, could 🍉 help.
Messi on the way out
PSG would like Messi to stay another year, but not at any price and, as things 🍉 stand, both sides are very far apart. For his part, the player is open to returning to Barcelona, should that 🍉 be a viable option.
Neymar, a complicated sale
Meanwhile, the club consider that Neymar's Parisian chapter has come to an end and 🍉 they are keen to shift him as they do not see him as part of the club's future. However, with 🍉 a lucrative contract running until 2027, that will not be an easy operation.
Mbappe the priority
The member of the star trio 🍉 most likely to stay - and most wanted by the club - is Mbappe, despite the tensions between player and 🍉 organisation in recent times. The player has two years to run on his current deal, meaning that next summer he 🍉 could choose to run down the final year and leave on a free in 2025.
PSG see Mbappe as their franchise 🍉 player, as the face of their present and future, but they still need to convince him he can fulfil his 🍉 ambitions at the club. Mbappe wants to win the Champions League and will need to be persuaded that he can 🍉 do that at PSG.
What does the French press say?
In France, much of the media seems to agree that the club 🍉 is happy to let Messi walk this summer and also wants to move Neymar on. There is also recognition that 🍉 the latter will not be possible.
Some do believe, however, that Qatar would like to retain Messi because of the value 🍉 of his image and association. The most likely, as things stand, is that next season both Mbappe and Neymar remain 🍉 in Paris, as Neymar will be too difficult to sell and Messi too difficult to keep.
