PSG Get Strong Message Over Liverpool, Bayern Munich Stars

PSG have bolstered their defensive backline with the arrivals of Willian Pacho and Illia Zabarnyi. Nonetheless, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners might not be done there. At some point, they have to replace Marquinhos in the long term.

Over the last few months, PSG have been linked to French defenders Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté. Both players are on expiring contracts and could test the free-agent market this summer if they don’t already sign a pre-contract or contract extension before then.

Moreover, both players are in their prime years and would be ideal replacements for Marquinhos. Furthermore, Upamecano and Konaté bring experience playing at top clubs in Europe, so they wouldn’t be afraid of the demands PSG places on its players.

Will Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté Test Free Agency?

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On the latest episode of After Foot, pundit Kevin Diaz stated that the Ligue 1 side need to ensure that they land Upamecano or Konaté if both decide not to sign contract extensions with their current clubs and look at other options.

“If I were a PSG supporter, I’d really like to see Konaté or Upamecano at PSG,” Diaz said (h/t Le10Sport). “That would be very good alongside Pacho. A French player, an international, a guy from the Paris region.

“Konaté has done some good things with Liverpool and would be a solid pickup, even if form has dipped a bit in recent months. Upamecano, on the other hand, is really at the top of his game right now.”

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Nonetheless, fellow program pundit Florent Gautreau sees Upamecano eventually agreeing to a contract extension with Bayern Munich.

“For me, Upamecano is a negotiation with Bayern,” Gautreau said. “I see him more in a situation where he extends at Bayern, they have made an offer. After that, if I had a wish, it would be to see Upamecano at PSG, considering PSG’s needs. He is a very good player, and PSG have a need at that position. (…) Upamecano would be a great addition for Ligue 1 and for PSG if he came. That’s what I’m not sure about.”