FEATURE | The one position that PSG must strengthen in the summer transfer window

The start of the new season, albeit a mid-January one, brings with it a familiar pattern: Paris Saint-Germain are already in cruise control. Les Parisiens began 2025 by edging Monaco to a 1-0 victory in the Trophée des Champions, setting a trend of dominance that has defined their campaign. Huge wins over Lyon and Marseille have underscored an attacking unit firing on all cylinders, powered by the incredible goalkeeping partnership of Gianluigi Donnarumma – arguably the world's best shot-stopper – and the electrifying runs of teenagers like Gonçalo Ramos. Manager Mauricio Pochettino's team are looking every inch a powerhouse, built on strength and attacking creativity. Their trajectory looks set to continue, suggesting they are well on the path to securing a second consecutive Ligue 1 title. However, beneath the surface of this early success, there lies a subtle vulnerability, a potential weak link that requires immediate attention before the next transfer window opens. While the attacking options look bright, and the defence, outside of the occasional set-piece blunder, is generally solid, there's one specific position where Les Parisiens are teetering on the brink of overload and impending chaos.

The elephant in the room, the position bubbling under the surface of all analysis and fan optimism, is defensive midfield. While often overlooked in favour of the star-studded attack or the commanding presence between the posts, the pivot is the unsung hero who dictates tempo, absorbs pressure, and disrupts opposition rhythm. Since the sacking of Christophe Galtier in late 2023 and the appointment of Pochettino, the recruitment strategy has somewhat lacked focus on bolstering the middle of the park. The club had previously heavily invested in this area, identifying the role as crucial under figures like Thomas Tchamade before and during Galtier's tenure.

Yet, the void left by the perceived failure to recruit adequately has become increasingly apparent. Rounding off the previous season with largely adequate performances from midfielders like Adrien Rabiot and Marquinhos, PSG lacked that consistent, world-class authority from the base of their engine room. While players like Ángel Di María offer dynamism more associated with the right side, and talents like Dayro Moreno display grit, the unit as a whole hasn't possessed that relentlessly probing midfielder who dictates the tempo and leaves defences searching for answers.

Now, the fear begins to creep in. If Donnarumma retires or leaves, would the newly promoted goalkeeper Marco Bizot, notable for his distribution (though rushed initially), be expected to increasingly shadow the centre-backs for defensive purposes? The pressure on the backline, already tested by the relentless PSG attacks, could become untenable. Worse still, if the departing figures ofMarco Ruiz, Kevin Vazquez, and Niko Gaitan transform into transfer bombs spent on players whose contracts expire or are loaned out, the potential drop-off in midfield numbers is stark. Pochettino needs a solution before the summer heat, because the current midfield structure lacks the verve, shielding, and incisiveness that the entire team's high-octane attack relies upon. The front two or three lines may look effortless, but without a masterful gameplan from those three steps behind the defence, the intricate attacking movements can become too predictable or easily countered. This is the one position whose potential fragility threatens to unravel the carefully constructed facade of PSG's season.

Strengthening this area means more than just numerical strength; it requires adding players who can adapt to Pochettino's style, players who are integral to his tactical blueprint. It's a chance to inject diversity, perhaps a specific energetic style for one option or elite technical control for another. Young talents emerging or established players on the fringes could be considered, but the priority must be acquiring players who possess the relentless work rate, intelligence, and ability to be consistent week in and week out. Failure to identify and secure the right profile of player in this crucial position could mean the difference between effortless dominance and a season ultimately decided by one or two costly defensive turnovers. It serves as a timely reminder that building a winning team requires balance; you can't excel in season without having solid foundations in every department not just where the goals are scored.

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