Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says the club had an “excellent” summer transfer window, while acknowledging he could not promise Bradley Barcola the greater playing time he wanted before his departure.
Speaking at a pre-match news conference ahead of PSG’s meeting with Monaco on Thursday, the Spanish coach praised the club’s management and sporting adviser Luis Campos for overseeing a series of major changes to the squad.
Barcola, Kylian Mbappe, Goncalo Ramos and Lee Kang-in all left Paris Saint-Germain during the summer. Hotz, Ferran Torres, Digne and Akliouche arrived as the reigning Champions League champions reshaped their squad.
Enrique said the departures, including that of Barcola, were necessary to renew the group’s ambitions after an important period of success.
“The summary I can give is that we had a very good transfer window, for me there’s no doubt about it. I think the president and management, in cooperation with Luis Campos, did an excellent job. I am very satisfied. I want to start with a brief explanation and specifically mention the players who left: Ramos, Lee, Barcola, and Mbappe. They were very important in the team winning titles over the past two years, and I wish them all the best. It was necessary for us to do this because the team needed to be re-energized in terms of ambition. This was a very good transfer window. We are happy to start the new season with the current group of players.”
The future of Barcola was one of the most closely watched aspects of PSG’s summer business. The former Lyon player developed significantly after moving to Paris and became an important part of Enrique’s attack, particularly because of his ability to exploit space behind opposing defences.
However, Enrique said the former Spanish national team coach could not offer the forward assurances over his role that he was seeking.
“Barcola’s situation is different because after we signed him from Lyon, he grew a lot in Paris. His performances greatly improved the team, and he wanted more playing time. I couldn’t guarantee him that. In the end, I think this outcome is beneficial for everyone. I accept this decision and wish him all the best. He wanted to leave because he wanted a more important role, but I cannot directly give that position to any player; you have to earn it yourself in training and matches. He was important, a beloved player, his teammates liked him, and he is also a great person. I have nothing but positive things to say about him. Although he had two years left on his contract, we accepted this decision and wish him good luck. It will be normal for important players to leave in the future, and we must accept that.”
Although Barcola’s departure is expected to affect the way PSG attack, Enrique believes the club has added sufficient alternatives. He highlighted the flexibility of the new arrivals and said their early displays in training had left him encouraged.
“The situation is different because Barcola is a different player, and we have used that very well in our style of play. I am very satisfied with the three attacking players. Hotz, Akliouche, and Ferran Torres can all play in different positions in attack, and this season will be very important. Seeing their performance in training, I am very satisfied. But we cannot make comparisons because you never know what will happen next.”
Enrique’s comments suggest he remains fully aligned with the club’s management over the sporting decisions taken during the transfer window. He also made clear that PSG may have to accept further significant departures in future as the squad continues to evolve.
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