Frustration for Paris Saint-Germain as transfer window shuts
PARIS (AP) — Transfer deadline-day ended in frustration for Paris Saint-Germain with the failure to sign midfielder Idrissa Gueye from Premier League club Everton.
PSG coach Thomas Tuchel was keen to strengthen his midfield with two players, because Marco Verratti is recovering from an ankle injury and Adrien Rabiot's sidelined because of an ongoing transfer wrangle. But PSG signed only Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes from Zenit St. Petersburg on Tuesday, and ran out of time on Thursday to convince Everton to sell despite Gueye being keen on a move.
PSG's clout has seemingly been diminished by an ongoing investigation into a potential breach of Financial Fair Play rules by the club.
It was far from a great transfer window for the French champion, considering it also sold one of its most highly-rated young talents. The 18-year-old midfielder Yacine Adli, who grew up grew up in the Paris region of Val-de-Marne, joined Bordeaux on a 4 ½-year contract having played only one league game for his home club.
PSG almost lost another of its home-grown products, too, but 21-year-old midfielder Christopher Nkunku stayed despite strong interest from Premier League side Arsenal.
The skillful, attack-minded Nkunku scored four league goals last season when the club managed by Unai Emery — who is now Arsenal's coach.
Monaco was busy, sending Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans on loan to Leicester until the end of the season with Adrien Silva going in the opposite direction, also on loan.
The 21-year-old Tielemans, who was part of Belgium's run to the World Cup semifinals last year, scored five goals in 20 appearances in the French league this season.
Silva should add much-needed bite to Monaco's midfield, with the eight-time French champion languishing in 19th place and staring at relegation with 16 games remaining.
Monaco trimmed its squad, selling defender Almamy Toure to German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt; loaning goalkeeper Loic Badiashile to French rival Rennes and sending midfielder Adama Traore out on loan to Belgian side Cercle Bruges. Three other players were loaned out.
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