Last summer, Paris Saint-Germain only signed Illia Zabarnyi, Lucas Chevalier, and Renato Marín, without making drastic adjustments to the squad, instead adopting a conservative strategy.
After all, they had already made club history by winning the Champions League. This choice was somewhat forced, as the transfer market remained closed for their target players at that time.
Although the winter transfer window has been open for two weeks, PSG have not completed any signings yet. Like last summer, the club management is in no hurry and will only make a move when an opportunity arises for their desired transfer targets—currently, they are keeping an eye on an unnamed young player.
In January this year, the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia injected new vitality into Paris Saint-Germain. Should the club try this strategy again this winter? There is firm opposition within the club to this idea, adhering to the model that "14 to 15 top players can play in different positions, paired with young players from the youth academy".
However, judging from the situation in recent weeks, this debate remains unresolved.
After a period of inconsistent form in December, the team showed some instability French Trophée des Champions in against Marseille (2-2, 4-1 on penalties) and in the 32nd round of the Coupe de France against Paris FC (0-1). This instability was more pronounced in the midfield, a key position for their Champions League triumph last year.
If Vitinha can maintain consistent form, then the performances of João Neves and Fabián Ruiz have been questionable. Is this due to a decline in physical condition caused by insufficient preparation, or some form of complacency—sometimes even unconscious complacency?
Achraf Hakimi is about to return to the team from the Africa Cup of Nations, which will allow Warren Zaïre-Emery to return to the midfield. But it is uncertain whether this will be sufficient. PSG’s lack of deliberation in transfers is reflected in the fact that they have included Enzo Fernández on their transfer target list.
The 24-year-old Argentine player is considering his future after Enzo Maresca left Chelsea, with whom he had established a good relationship. However, PSG have not taken any action to sign him this winter.
The situation in the backline is similar, with neither Zabarnyi nor Lucas Beraldo providing any effective solutions, even though Marquinhos is not irreplaceable.
In the forward line, apart from the resurgent Kvaratskhelia, the trio of Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, and Thijs Dallinga have been plagued by injuries and still lack stability. For example, the 2025 Golden Boy winner just had a disappointing performance against Paris FC.
Admittedly, Ibrahim Mbaye will surely contribute after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal, but can the signing of an attacking player bring about some changes?
A source close to PSG players said: “It was a mistake not to sign more competitive players. They should have signed some players eager to prove themselves.
Now, what we see is some players playing casually. The reason for the decline in form lies in their desire to win. In terms of pressing, this team is not the same as before. They lack fighting spirit.”
From the first hours after winning the Champions League last spring, the team has been determined to make history and achieve the feat of back-to-back Champions League titles. In recent weeks, their mindset has remained unchanged. But does this unchanged squad have the psychological quality to achieve this goal?
The question is simple: will this PSG squad, which is basically the same as last year, experience a decline in physical fitness due to not starting full preparation until May?
In fact, due to elimination from the cup competitions and the possibility of the top eight teams in the league directly advancing to the round of 16 of the Champions League, PSG’s training intensity may decrease in February, and some physical training may be arranged.
The club’s fitness department is committed to getting all players back to their best condition in spring.
“We are still implementing a similar plan, aiming to get the whole team back to 100% fitness,” a club insider revealed, once again ruling out the possibility of any new signings. At present, the team does not seem to be in the best condition, especially in their long-standing strength—the efficient pressing system.
So, what will happen in a month or two?
