In Paris, each transfer window arouses its share of rumors and surprises, but the last requirement of Luis Enrique has something to perplex. For several weeks, the sports management has multiplied the slopes, but an unofficial instruction would have filtered from the offices of the Loges camp: it would now be forbidden to recruit any player exceeding a certain age. But what is this rigid criterion which directs the recruitment of the French champion club?
PSG: the obsession of youth in the transfer market
The truth, confirmed a few days ago by Nasser Al-Khelaifi during a program broadcast on a chain in the Gulf, is surprising to say the least. Luis Enrique, haloed by the historic hat -trick won last season, asked his president to consider any transfer of player over 27 years old. “The coach told me that he wanted young players, who are generous in the effort, who run a lot and who have the slab”said al-Khelaifi. For the Spanish coach, the thirties and confirmed stars no longer have their place at PSG, and any recruitment exceeding the fateful bar of 27-28 year olds is simply prohibited.
This bias is not anecdotal. Since his arrival in Paris, Luis Enrique has only recruited players in age or becoming: Joao Neves, Gonçalo Ramos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Willian Pacho, Matvey Safonov, or more recently Ibarnyi, all aged under 27 years old. Even Lucas Hernandez, the coach's older recruit, was 27 years old at his signature. This policy, sometimes deemed to be discriminatory, is nevertheless part of the continuity of the vision of the Spanish technician: favoring youth, intensity and state of mind.
Luis Enrique imposes his youth law on PSG
Luis Enrique's anti-Trentena Revolution
Difficult to criticize this choice as the results speak for themselves. Paris has just achieved a historic hat -trick, chaining Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Champions League, while displaying an energy and freshness rarely seen in the capital. The priority given to young talents made it possible to build a united team, eager for victories and capable of projecting themselves on several seasons. The supporters, first skeptical, now seem convinced of the relevance of this strategic turn.
Some observers nevertheless question the longevity of this approach, especially in the event of injuries or a void of the youngest. But for the moment, Luis Enrique and Nasser Al-Khelaifi have no intention of changing course. With a rejuvenated workforce, a better controlled payroll and the results of the meeting, PSG today displays the best economic and sporting health in its history: “We bought the 70m club, today it is 5 billion …” proudly recalls the Parisian president. In Paris, youth is no longer a bet, it is a golden rule.
