As 2024 comes to a close, PSG finds itself at a crossroads halfway through the 2024-25 season.
The team has experienced ups and downs, with strong performances in Ligue 1 but inconsistent performances in the UEFA Champions League, however, their top 3 players have not completely let the club down.
With the January transfer window approaching, significant changes to the PSG squad seem inevitable.
Players such as Milan Skriniar and Randal Kolo Muani are rumoured to be on the verge of leaving, possibly to Premier League clubs.
Their departures would not only free up salary space but also allow the club to bring in reinforcements better suited to Luis Enrique’s tactical vision.
Nuno Mendes could leave PSG for not meeting his salary demands
Another pressing concern is the future of Nuno Mendes. The 22-year-old left-back has reportedly expressed his desire to leave PSG because his salary expectations do not match his performance.
🚨🇵🇹| BREAKING: Nuno Mendes wants to leave PSG — all talks for a contract extension are at standstill now as he has rejected them as he believes the wages offered doesn’t match his status as a starter.
Nuno is now considering options elsewhere. @FabriceHawkins pic.twitter.com/Qm5BkhcgIF
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) December 27, 2024
Despite being a key player under Luis Enrique, Mendes remains one of the lowest-paid players in the squad, which leaves the Portuguese player with a bitter feeling that he is not valued as he deserves.
PSG’s rumored wage structure:
Nuno Mendes earning just above academy players is wild. He’s a top 3 LB in the world & should be paid like it. He belongs in PSG’s top 10 earners, especially when 5 out of the top 10 earners are mediocre players.
Pay him well & get it done. 🇵🇹🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/DqScJvGQMU
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) December 27, 2024
This disparity has stalled contract renewal negotiations, with FootBoom reporting that European giants Manchester United are reportedly willing to meet Mendes’ salary demands and offer him a starting role.
Kylian Mbappe showed his admiration for Nuno Mendes
Mendes, who joined PSG in 2021, has consistently impressed with his performances.
His quality has even been praised by former teammate Kylian Mbappe, with Record newspaper reporting that the Real Madrid player was described as one of the best full-backs in the world, alongside Achraf Hakimi.
Losing a player of Mendes’ caliber would be a significant blow to PSG’s long-term plans, especially as the club seeks to solidify its roster for future success.
For PSG, resolving Mendes’ situation is critical. Balancing the books through the sale of underperforming players like Škriniar and Kolo Muani could provide the financial flexibility needed to meet Mendes’ demands.
As January approaches, PSG must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain their competitiveness and ensure that promising talents like Mendes remain part of their project.
