Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has confirmed he will manage playing time for the final two matches of the season, offering a last chance for players like Gonçalo Ramos and Lee Kang-in to prove themselves before decisions are made about their futures. The club is already preparing to potentially replace some squad members as it looks ahead to next season.
Gonçalo Ramos (left) and Lee Kang-in – will they remain at PSG next season? (J.-B. Autissier/L’Équipe)
Luis Enrique ended speculation on Sunday evening after PSG’s 1-0 win over Brest, declaring his team champions of France (*) and confirming the last two league games will serve as preparation for the Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30.
PSG’s sporting advisor Luis Campos and Luis Enrique had already begun shaping next season’s squad, but the club has paused all contract extension and transfer negotiations until after the final against Arsenal.
(*) PSG is not officially champions yet but holds a six-point lead over Lens with two games remaining and a vastly superior goal difference (+44 vs +29).
Several priorities have been identified, including signing a central defender and managing departures and replacements. This week, featuring two Ligue 1 matches – against Lens on Wednesday (9:00 PM) and Paris FC on Sunday (9:00 PM) – could prove decisive. The manager’s plan to rotate his squad should give playing time to frustrated attackers who have struggled for minutes recently.
Lee Kang-in, who has been nursing an ankle injury, is eager to feature and showcase his abilities before deciding his next step. The 25-year-old South Korean, under contract until 2028, remains attractive on the transfer market, particularly in Spain. Luis Enrique wanted to keep him this season, but if Atlético Madrid’s interest solidifies, the situation could change, especially as PSG is closely monitoring Atlético’s Argentine striker Julian Alvarez (26, contract until 2030).
Lee’s potential replacement has already been identified: Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche (24, contract until 2028), who is also tracked by Manchester City and Liverpool. Campos is also scouting the Russian market, with recent reports on CSKA Moscow midfielder Matveï Kislyak (20, contract until 2029), a more defensive option than Akliouche but fitting Luis Enrique’s style.
Will Mbaye Depart?
Lee Kang-in will miss Wednesday’s match at Lens. Can Gonçalo Ramos seize the opportunity after a disappointing performance against Brest? The Portuguese striker (24, contract until 2028) has started only 15 times this season, scoring 12 goals across all competitions. He lacks rhythm and wants consistent playing time. Ramos has suitors, and questions about his departure are more pressing than ever. His style never fully aligned with Luis Enrique’s identity, and a move might make sense, especially with PSG’s interest in Julian Alvarez. Alternatively, the club could part ways with Ibrahim Mbaye. The 18-year-old Senegalese international (10 caps, contract until 2027) should get minutes this week, but he is reportedly considering his future amid increasing interest from English clubs.
