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PSG’s failed 2020 bid to pair Erling Haaland with Kylian Mbappe

SASCHA SCHURMANN/GettyImages

PSG has its sights set on its next challenge in the UEFA Champions League, facing Manchester City in a crucial match for the seventh round of the top European club competition.

Luis Enrique plans to field a dream team for this match, reflecting PSG’s great ambitions, not only for the current season but also for the future.

However, news would come that would paralyze all of France, with the confirmation that the Parisian club had a great interest in this fantastic striker who now plays in the Premier League.


Alex Pantling/GettyImages
Alex Pantling/GettyImages

PSG’s Interest in Erling Haaland in the season where they reached the Champions League final

News has been revealed about PSG’s interest in signing Erling Haaland. In 2020, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi reportedly held talks with Haaland’s entourage, considering signing him in the event of Kylian Mbappé’s departure.

However, this plan did not come to fruition, as PSG opted to sign Lionel Messi after his departure from FC Barcelona.

Despite the talks, Haaland remained with other teams, and today he shines with Manchester City, being one of the most feared scorers by opposing defenses.

This upcoming Champions League clash between PSG and Manchester City rekindles the question of what could have happened if PSG had signed Haaland instead of Messi.


Lionel Messi’s time at PSG

Lionel Messi’s arrival at PSG generated high expectations, although his time at the club was mixed in terms of the relationship with French fans, partly due to the rivalry that arose after the 2022 World Cup.

Despite showing good performances, as shown by Transfermark with 75 games, 32 goals and 32 assists, Messi failed to lead PSG to conquer the long-awaited UEFA Champions League.

The question that remains in the air for fans is what the PSG project would have been like if they had chosen to sign Haaland, betting on a strategy focused on young stars for a more hopeful future.