Top five Lionel Messi replacements that PSG should target this summer

Luis Enrique will take over the managerial role and look to find a replacement for one of the greatest

PSG are facing a particularly hectic summer, after the umpteenth failure in the Champions League, the French side is already thinking about next season, and one of the names that will not continue is Leo Messi. The Argentinian ended his time at PSG and decided to join MLS after continuous attempts from Saudi Arabia to bring the Little Magician to their country.

Luis Enrique, the new manager will look to add more depth to the squad and find a replacement for Lionel Messi. With his departure, PSG have already signed a couple of players like Asensio and Skriniar. But, it is very essential to find somebody who can play the role Messi played during his time at the French club.

We will look at five players who can potentially take Messi's place in the French capital:

5. Michael Olise

Paris Saint-Germain wants to add another French youngster as they reshape their squad this summer, and Crystal Palace 21-year-old Michael Olise fits the bill. Olise is now on the radar of PSG, with the French team looking to replace Lionel Messi and potentially Neymar with younger legs in the attack.

While Crystal Palace are said to want to hold on to Olise, they reportedly know that may not be possible and are already scouting potential replacements. The 21-year-old had two goals and eleven assists in the Premier League appearances last term, including a spectacular free-kick against Manchester United that suggested he could develop into a more prolific goalscorer.

4. Randal Kolo Muani

Paris Saint-Germain have established contact with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani, he has emerged as one of the top targets for the French giants this summer. After Messi's departure Les Parisiens have prioritised the signing of a new striker in the summer due to the lack of depth in their squad, the former Nantes star’s stock has skyrocketed, catching the attention of European heavyweights.

He had a great 2022-23 season, had a direct hand in 26 goals. PSG have supposedly begun speaking to the 24-year-old about their future plans, which could help speed up a subsequent transfer, as Manchester United and Chelsea are also fond of the Frenchman.

3. Rayan Cherki

PSG are undergoing a revamp of its forward group. Lionel Messi has left, and there’s the uncertain future of Kylian Mbappe. As a result, the capital club likely wants to secure the services of the talented 19-year-old.

Cherki, who burst onto the scene at a tender age, has been making waves in French football with his electrifying performances and technical abilities. The teenager’s impressive skill set, vision, and goal-scoring ability have caught the attention of top European clubs. Along with PSG, Chelsea have also shown interest in the Frenchman.

2. Wilfried Zaha

Another Crystal Palace man who is on the radar of PSG is Wilfried Zaha. With his contract formally expired, PSG are interested in signing Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace on a free transfer this summer. Transfer chief Luis Campos is said to appreciate Zaha's skill and versatility with discussions already taking place between the club and the Ivory Coast international's camp over a potential deal.

He has scored 90 goals in 458 appearances for his boyhood club and the opportunity to play in the Champions League for PSG will be attractive to him.

1. Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva, who is understood to have a close relationship with PSG advisor Luis Campos from the pair's mutual time in Monaco, has confirmed to City that he wants to leave the club this summer and has attracted no shortage of interest. The Portuguese will carry his form into the next season after winning the treble last season, the Parisians are planning to invest €200 million to refurbish their attack this summer. Central to their plans is Silva, and the club are ready to sanction a €80 million bid for the 28-year-old.

PSG reportedly offered Marco Verratti and Gianluigi Donnarumma to City as part of the negotiations for Bernardo Silva. Despite the prominence of both Verratti and Donnarumma in PSG’s first team, Manchester City swiftly rejected the proposed trades. It is going to be tough for PSG to get the Portuguese to France from England.