With Kylian Mbappe gone and Manuel Ugarte joining Manchester United, what’s next for PSG in the transfer window?

Paris Saint-Germain haven’t been as busy as many expected following the departure of Kylian Mbappe, but head coach Luis Enrique made that clear last season when he said he was preparing Les Parisiens for a future without the French superstar. That work by the Spanish tactician has allowed the Ligue 1 champions to not make too many changes to their starting XI apart from summer additions Joao Neves and Willian Pacho. However, an injury to Goncalo Ramos in the opening win over Havre AC could change that and increase the need for activity for Paris for a while as several senior figures are expected to leave the Parc des Princes in the next 24-48 hours.

We take a look at the key names to keep an eye on between now and Friday’s transfer deadline.

Potential sale

Manuel Ugarte: At long last, PSG and Manchester United have reached an agreement, so it is expected that this will be confirmed soon. The Uruguay international is a tough tackling midfielder who will bring new firepower to Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils side. Ugarte, 23, lacks the kind of technical prowess that Neves possesses and Luis Enrique rarely relied on the South American player in the last campaign. Making a small profit with a healthy percentage of any future move is also good business for the French giants, who can use those transfer funds and wages elsewhere – particularly for a forward.

Carlos Soler: The Spain international is also expected to leave soon, having been close to joining West Ham United. Soler, 27, was linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the summer as Aston Villa, as well as Brighton & Hove Albion were linked with the former Valencia CF player, before the Hammers emerged as the favourites. Used only as a utility man under Luis Enrique, Soler has struggled to really make an impact in Paris and his anticipated exit could contribute to another major cut in the wage bill as well as the reallocation of valuable transfer funds for use in other positions.

Nordy Mukiele: Another move that is quickly coming to fruition is Bayer Leverkusen signing the versatile French defender who has previously performed superbly for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Mukiele is still just 26 years old but offers options in a number of positions which appeals to Xabi Alonso. Although only an initial loan deal is expected, the German champions are gunning for a shot at the UEFA Champions League and need players with the ability to become a starter. It hasn’t quite worked out for Mukiele upon his return to Paris despite some promising moments and a return to Germany could help relaunch him.

Milan Skriniar: A difficult year after joining from Inter and the Slovakia international may have to move on with Al Nassr already keen on a move to Saudi Arabia. After a complicated and injury-hit debut term for Skriniar, PSG would be willing to let him go for a fee after signing him as a free agent from the Italian champions last summer. Still only 29, it could be a coup for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates, while also representing strong commercial sense for the French giants who could use that money on a versatile defender or attacking reinforcements. Given that the Saudi transfer window doesn’t close at the same time as the European one, it’s still not a burning priority.

Danilo Pereira: The versatile Portugal international is well-liked and is considered an influential senior player for PSG, but his ability to play in defensive midfield and central defence is less important to Luis Enrique. Now 32, it is time to make one last potential move and there are options for the former FC Porto player as AS Monaco are interested in keeping him in the French topflight, while a Saudi move with Schreiner is also an option as Al-Ittihad have made a move for Danilo. If Paris do not want to allow Les Monegasques to strengthen, the Saudi window will still be open for business, so a decision on this may not necessarily be made this week either.

Potential signings

protect: PSG are very well equipped in midfield with new gem Neves alongside the impressive Vitina, homegrown wonderkid Warren Zaire-Emery, UEFA Euro 2024 star Fabian Ruiz, new arrival Desire Do and the versatile Kang-in Lee. However, such depth has been problematic in defence and versatile player profiles such as Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruidda have been of interest. The Netherlands international was close to Aston Villa this summer but has yet to officially move, while PSG’s main full-back was Stade Brestois 29’s Bradley Locko until an unfortunate long-term injury ruined those plans. Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez are nowhere close to returning, so ideally a versatile wingback who can play on one or both flanks as well as in the centre would be useful – hence Geertruidda’s interest.

attack: An exciting and versatile attacking profile could also be interesting for Les Parisiens, which is why United’s Jadon Sancho should not be completely ruled out at this stage. A focal point such as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is unlikely, given Luis Enrique’s style and Mbappe’s struggle to adjust, as well as the injured Ramos and Randle Kolo Muani. The Nigerian would bring back that kind of power struggle, while PSG have had great performances in wide out at the start of this campaign – which needs to remain that way – as well as Lee getting game time and scoring over Marco Asensio, who is now being used as a false nine due to Ramos’ injury. It seems PSG might have missed two versatile players to be a very competitive side after last year’s domestic double and strong UEFA Champions League run.