PSG have dropped three big names in their squad – Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Marco Verratti – from their opening 2023/24 Ligue 1 clash against Lorient.
The Ligue 1 champions kick off their title defense against Lorient at Parc des Princes amid massive changes and upheavals in the squad.
Futballnews understands PSG have embarked on squad reshuffle after the club’s All-Star project seemed to have finally failed.
A number of top players have left the club with more departures expected.
Leading the list of top names axed off the club’s project was Lionel Messi who left the club for Inter Miami following the expiration of his two-year contract and a run-in with PSG ultra fans group.
After a victorious World Cup campaign with Argentina national team, it was thought Lionel Messi will renew his contract but the two parties fell out at the tail end of Leo’s contract with the World Cup legend choosing to exit the club.
PSG have continued clamping down on unwanted players in the team with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Marco Verratti being recent casualties. The three players have been dropped from the club’s 2023/24 Ligue 1 opener against Lorient.
Kylian Mbappe
It is no news Kylian Mbappe is now an outcast at PSG. The French forward has gone down from revered club hero to a villain.
Futballnews understands Kylian Mbappe and PSG are locked in an endless stand-off following Mbappe’s decision not to renew his contract in 2024.
Kylian Mbappe has one year remaining in his PSG contract with PSG trying to have him sign a new contract all to no avail.
Mbappe wants to leave for free to Real Madrid next summer – a decision PSG have kicked against and are ready to sell him this summer. The two parties have slipped into a seething row with Mbappe axed of the PSG project.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mbappe will not feature for PSG in 2023/24 Ligue 1 opener against Lorient.
Neymar Jr
Also set to miss the Lorient match is Neymar Jr. Neymar has two years remaining on his PSG contract but was recently told by the club he is not part of the club’s plans for this season.
Both parties have agreed to part ways with Barcelona interested in a loan move for the player – a move that could see him return to the club.
Interests have also been reported from Saudi Arabia and the MLS for Neymar with Chelsea also linked to a move for the player. He has now been dropped from the club’s opening game, sending a clear message he has to find another club.
Marco Verratti
Marco Verratti is the third name that has been confirmed to have been dropped out of the PSG squad. The Italian footballer made the list of players who were considered out of the PSG project despite recently extending his contract with the club till 2026.
Verratti has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal – Kylian Mbappe’s first suitors – interested in signing the player. He has also been linked with other big clubs with Chelsea said to be interested in the player to replace injured Christopher Nkunku
New PSG manager, Luis Enrique, has been candid on his position on pariah players such as Mbappe, Neymar, and Marco Verratti.
Speaking with L’Equipe, Luis Enrique said his actions will reveal his decision.
The latest move to axe the three players from the opening game is a message to the players that they are not part of the squad this season.
