Barcelona aiming to sign PSG superstar whose contract expires in the summer of 2024 – Reports
Barcelona are allegedly interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Presnel Kimpembe on a Bosman move next summer.
The Blaugrana, who lifted the La Liga title last season, currently have four central defenders, including Ronald Araujo and Inigo Martinez, at their disposal. However, they are rumored to let go of France ace Jules Kounde and Denmark star Andreas Christensen next year.
Now, according to Spanish news website Todofichajes, Barcelona have expressed an interest in adding Kimpembe to their ranks ahead of the 2024-25 season. They are hoping to sign the Frenchman because of his ability to deputize both at centre-back and at left-back if needed.
However, PSG are unwilling to lose the 28-year-old defender on a free switch next summer. They are keen to hand the Frenchman an extension, but the star is yet to enter into talks to renew his deal beyond 2024.
Kimpembe, who made his professional debut in 2014, has made 236 appearances across competitions for the Parisians so far. He has helped his club lift 22 trophies, including a whopping seven Ligue 1 titles.
So far this season, the Barcelona target is yet to make a single appearance under his new manager Luis Enrique. He is currently recovering from an achilles tendon rupture, sustained back in late February.
A Parisian academy graduate, Kimpembe is unlikely to reclaim his first-team berth upon returning from his injury. He is below Marquinhos, Milan Skriniar, and Lucas Hernandez in his club's pecking order now.
Barcelona forward Joao Felix wanted to join PSG before summer move, claims reporter
MARCA journalist David G. Medina has revealed that Joao Felix was interested in joining PSG before sealing a season-long loan move to Barcelona on the summer deadline day. He said (h/t Barca Universal):
"Before showing his love for Barça, Joao Felix wanted to go to PSG. But Luis Enrique didn't love him."
Felix, 23, was one of the burning topics of transfer speculation earlier this summer. He was linked to a host of top European clubs, including PSG, after his temporary time at Chelsea in the 2022-23 campaign.
After failing to secure a permanent move away from Atletico Madrid throughout the summer, the Portuguese joined Xavi Hernandez's side on loan. He has contributed three goals and four assists in just 691 minutes of action, spread across 10 overall games for his new club.
Felix, who is lately plying his trade as a left winger, will next feature in his side's game against Real Madrid on Saturday (October 28).