PSG beat Chelsea and Bayern Munich to land Desire Doue: Reports
European heavyweights Chelsea and Bayern Munich's efforts go in vain as Paris Saint-Germain sign Rennes forward Desire Doue to strengthen their forward lineup (via Fabrizio Romano). The young and talented winger chose to stay in France as PSG won the three-horse race to secure the services of the promising 19-year-old.
The gifted Frenchman has a strong suit for counterattacks, which can help Luis Enrique's PSG in his long-term plans. He can win the ball in compromising positions and can run up and down the flanks. His long-distance shot accuracy and skills to evade opponents add to his arsenal as a collective player.
Fabrizio Romano wrote on X:
"🚨🔴🔵 BREAKING: Désiré Doué has decided to join Paris Saint-Germain! After being 100% focused on Olympics, he has made his decision: it’s PSG. Nasser Al Khelaifi, Luis Campos, Luis Enrique all involved for PSG. Final details to be clarified soon then… here we go!"
Following talks with PSG's head coach Luis Enrique, Desire Doue's doubts were cleared following a long battle to join the Parisians and a fee is yet to be discussed (via L'Equipe).
When the transfer is official, he will join a list of players for whom PSG have splashed a reported €140 million in this summer window so far. They include Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, and goalkeeper Metvey Safonov.
What made PSG reportedly sign highly promising teenager Desire Doue?
Desire Doue had a promising Olympic Football campaign as Les Bleus bagged a silver medal. He ends his recent preseason exploits on a high while reportedly moving from Rennes to Paris aiming to win silverware in France and Europe. He performed extremely well for Thierry Henry's French Olympic Squad, scoring two goals that were crucial in clinching the silver medal.
The Frenchman has been the most sought-after talent attracting the interest of various top-tier clubs after just his second full season at Rennes. He appeared for the Red and Blacks 43 times in the 2023-24 season, scoring four goals and assisting six times.
Various sources have been very positive about the future of the youngster. He has been termed as a 'phenomenal talent' and 'latest star' by Transfermarkt. Zach Lowy (Breaking the Lines) said Doue is 'sensational to watch'. According to Tom Maston (GOAL), he is described as a 'massive talent'.
Desire Doue's contributions to Rennes can't go unnoticed as he completed 45 passes into the penalty area, had 4.79 per 90 minutes of shot-creating chances, and 0.66 per 90 minutes for goal-creating chances. According to FBRef, his defensive role showed promising numbers as he had 1.87 per 90-minute tackles.