Paris Saint Germain announced on Tuesday, August 31, that central midfielder Fabian Ruiz has joined the French Ligue 1 giants from Italian club Napoli on a five-year deal.
No financial information has been made known yet, although according to media reports, PSG first paid a sum of €21.5 million ($21.5m) for the services of Fabian Ruiz.
Since making his debut for Spain in 2019, the 26-year-old has earned 15 caps and has even scored once while serving his country. He led Napoli to a third-place finish in Serie A last season with seven goals and five assists in all competitions.
In the same vein, Leandro Paredes has agreed to join Juventus, according to PSG coach Christophe Galtier, who also announced that the midfielder has signed an agreement.
Galtier stated that he was leaving Paredes out of the team for Wednesday’s trip to Toulouse even if a settlement between the clubs has not yet been completed.
“Leandro and I spoke after the workout. In September, when we play Juventus in the Champions League, he has agreed with them”, explained Galtier at a press conference.
“Although he plays for PSG right now, he has other interests. The two clubs have not reached a deal yet. I chose to leave him out of the squad so that he could get ready for his departure and because I could not have a player who might leave the team.”
Before Thursday’s transfer deadline, Galtier did not completely rule out a deal for Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar.
“I can’t say it’s fully over; the market is always thrilling for everyone since surprises frequently arise right before the closing bell”, the coach said.
“Milan has been a player that has been sought after for a long time. It appears difficult because the negotiations with Inter Milan are very difficult, but we must also respect Inter Milan’s decision, and as I previously stated, there are still more than 48 hours before the closing, so anything is possible.”
After midfielders Vitinha and Renato Sanches, defenders Nuno Mendes and Nordi Mukiele, and attacker Hugo Ekitike, Fabian Ruiz is PSG’s sixth acquisition since the end of last season.
After four seasons at Napoli, Fabian Ruiz departed the team. Now, as he mentioned to PSG TV, Ruiz is eager to make the most of his time with the defending Ligue 1 winners.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Paris Saint-Germain,” stated Ruiz. “It’s wonderful for me to begin this new phase of my profession in this nation. And I’m honored to be a part of one of Europe’s top teams with some of the world’s best athletes. This challenge is incredibly exciting.
“Joining a big club is always a huge task because you have to give your all. With the greatest players by my side and such a great club to play for, I’ll have to give it my all every day if I want to live up to the club. It is an accomplishment to be able to use the same locker room as the top athletes in the world.”
Ruiz won one prize during his tenure at Napoli thanks to his crucial contribution to the team’s victory over Juventus in the Coppa Italia Final in 2020.
The talented midfielder is now playing for PSG and wants to add more trophies to his collection.
“Every time I get onto the field, I want to be recognized as giving it my all,” Ruiz said. “I want to win as many championships as I can because I believe that this team deserves to be at the top.
“I want to demonstrate that I am dedicated, motivated, and have the proper perspective. That, in my opinion, is the most crucial factor for a player.
It is yet unknown when Ruiz might make his PSG debut. With 10 points, PSG is in first place in Ligue 1 so far this season and will travel to Toulouse on Wednesday, August 31, for their 5th Ligue 1 game. The match will kick off at 20:00.
