Top five players PSG should target in summer 2023

The Ligue 1 champions need to strengthen to succeed in the Champions League

As another regular Ligue 1 season ended, PSG clinched the league title becoming eleven-time winners. Although it was by a very thin margin of one point to RC Lens. In Europe, PSG are still chasing their euphoric moment of lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy since the Qatari takeover in 2011. They suffered an early exit at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 in the 2022-23 season. Even in the 2021-22 season, Real Madrid blew them away in the same stages.

In the summer of 2021, Lionel Messi was brought in for the sole purpose of winning the elusive trophy. But PSG couldn't make it to the quarter-final stages even with the Argentine World Cup winner. Now Lionel Messi has moved on from the city of Paris joining MLS side Inter Miami on a free. Sergio Ramos and Ander Herrera also left.

Man City used to be a similar club. Successful in domestic competitions but the Champions League was still missing. The year 2023 turned out well for Cityzens, finally taking home the European title with a well-rounded squad. PSG have tried hiring marquee forwards for most of their money only to fail. But with Messi leaving, it might serve as a chance to go build the team Man City way. A balanced squad next season might help Paris bring home the UCL along with them.

We now bring you five players that PSG should target in the upcoming season:

5. Lucas Hernandez - Defender (Bayern Munich)

The Bayern Munich defender is just 27 and has a wealth of experience to offer. Once an Atletico Madrid youth product made a switch to the Bavarian giants of Bundesliga. On July 2019 Lucas Hernandez left Diego Simeone's side to join Bayern on a five-year deal. The German giants had to pay €80 million to prize the centre back away from Spain.

Now, PSG are reportedly trying to secure the Frenchman's services offering €10m less than Bayern's €50m valuation. Hernandez if signed, could very well fill the giant boots left by former Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos.

4. Xavi Simons - Midfielder (PSV Eindhoven)

19 goals and 9 assists in the Eredivisie for PSV Eindhoven have made clubs circle around the 20-year-old. The Dutch boy was once in the ranks of PSG after he left Barca U16 to join PSG U19 in 2019. Eventually, Xavi Simons had to leave PSG for seeking more game time. PSV Eindhoven provided that very opportunity to him.

A year in the Netherlands has given Simons much-needed time and experience in a great league. And probably could now play a better role in any of the big five leagues of the world. PSG is reportedly said to have a €6m buy-back clause in the deal, which won't be an issue for Les Parisiens. The transfer wouldn't be an issue, but Simons's desire to come back to PSG and try where he left off might be. Arsenal are seemingly looking to bring in the 'Bargain Buy' to North London.

3. Bernardo Silva - Attacking Midfielder (Man City)

Lionel Messi will be a great miss in terms of quality of football and marketing prowess. Man City treble winner Bernardo Silva definitely has enough attributes to take care of the first issue. The Portuguese attacking midfielder was a key instrument in Pep Guariola's orchestra in the 2022-23 campaign. 3 goals and an assist in the Champions League for The Sky Blues only aided in lifting the elusive Champions League trophy for the club.

The 28-year-old player is a Benfica youth academy graduate and already has spent six years at Etihad Stadium. PSG have the financial backing and project to lure the winger for a change.

2. Randal Kolo Muani - Forward (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Reportedly Manchester United have taken its foot off the gas pedal in a bid to secure the Eintracht Frankfurt forward. £80m for the Frenchman seems an overpay for the Red Devils. Kolo Muani was there in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and returned home with a runners-up medal.

PSG might be tempted to secure the 15-goal machine and try and unite Mbappe with Muani at club level. However, Real Madrid are chasing the signature of Mbappe. And even if Florentino Perez is able to get his wishes. Signing Muani will help PSG rebuild for the foreseeable future. The Frankfurt striker is just 24.

1. Cher Ndour - Central Midfielder (Benfica)

Rui Costa, president of Benfica had confirmed the departure of talent Cher Ndour. Ndour is an Italian central midfielder born in 2004. At just 18, significant clubs are chasing his signature. According to Costa, Benfica did offer the teenager a lucrative contract but it was out of better sporting desires that saw Ndour leave.

Ander Herrera is no longer at PSG and Marco Verratti has potential suitors from the riches of Saudi Pro League. Ndour could come in as a handy signing without any transfer fee for the free agent. And in a few years time is projected to boss the midfield of any club in Europe. If PSG are able to land the midfielder and give him ample time, they might just find a 'Paul Pogba' of their own.