As much as they want to be low-key this summer, PSG just can’t help themselves.
The current Ligue 1 champions are in the midst of a mini-rebuild as they prepare ahead of the 2023-24 season, and they’ve made progress on that end. However, this development has been overshadowed by the shenanigans of some of their biggest stars.
Kylian Mbappe continues to send mixed signals, while Neymar is making news off the pitch yet again for the wrong reasons. No wonder Lionel Messi left right away and went to the MLS because he was tired of dealing with all of this.
As always, there are so many things happening in the French capital, so continue reading below as SBOTOP recaps the latest Ligue 1 2023 updates, with a particular focus on PSG.
Ins and outs from Paris
Even if he has not yet been officially announced as PSG’s new boss, Luis Enrique is going to inherit a team that’s in a state of flux. The former Spain national team coach recently landed in Paris to take a closer look at the place where he will live for at least the next two years.
Enrique’s first big task is to convince Kylian Mbappe to stay. These two will reportedly meet to discuss the future of PSG’s project, and the Spanish coach could offer the Les Bleus superstar the captain’s armband as part of the plan.
The recent additions of Lucas Hernandez, Milan Skriniar, and Marco Asensio help because they improve the depth of their current roster. Hernandez and Skriniar will beef up their backline, while Asensio helps mitigate Messi’s departure.
PSG also re-signed their captain, Marquinhos, last month to an extension that will keep him at Parc des Princes until 2028. Since joining from AS Roma as a 19-year-old 10 years ago, the Brazilian has been their rock at centre-half.
But with more players likely to leave Paris soon, namely Sergio Ramos and Leandro Paredes, PSG are far from done in the summer transfer window.
Reports claim that the Parisiens are keen on further strengthening their attack and midfield, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Federico Chiesa, and Lucas Paqueta at the top of their minds.
Neymar mired in controversy yet again
It’s an open secret that the Parisiens have grown tired of Neymar’s inability to stay fit for an entire season, as well as his off-the-pitch drama, including the recent allegations of him cheating on his girlfriend.
Celeste Bright didn’t mince words and called out Neymar for sliding into her DMs. The American model, who boasts over 1.3 million followers on Instagram, shared a screenshot of a conversation she had with the Brazilian winger.
“If you have a girlfriend or wife, don’t direct message girls. It’s wrong, very disrespectful to your partner,” said the Fashion Nova ambassador.
Other than Bright, Brazilian blogger Fernanda Campos added credence to the accusations hurled at Neymar, as she said that she had met with the PSG star at an apartment in Sao Paulo on June 12, also with screenshots to support her claim.
As a response, Neymar penned an emotional apology on social media, showing remorse for his pregnant partner.
“Can’t imagine life without you. I don’t know if we’ll work out, but today you’re sure I want to try. Our purpose will prevail, our love for our baby will win, and our love for each other will make us stronger,” said Neymar.
Back on the pitch, Neymar’s future at PSG remains murky. There was reported interest from Manchester United and Saudi Arabia, but transfer talks have cooled down recently, so it’s likely that he will continue playing for the Ligue 1 champions for at least one more season.
PSG to face Lorient in the opener
Ligue 1 just released the opening fixtures for the 2023-24 season. Because they reduced the number of teams from 20 to 18, each side will play 34 matches instead of 38.
PSG’s first game is against Lorient, against whom they suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat last April.
In the said match, Enzo Le Fee started the scoring for Lorient after 15 minutes, and then PSG were reduced to 10 men five minutes later when Achraf Hakimi was given a red card.
Kylian Mbappe netted the equaliser after 29 minutes, but Darlin Yongwa and Bamba Dieng eventually put the game away in favour of Lorient. The Ligue 1 2023 odds predict that the Parisiens will get their revenge, but bear in mind that upsets are more likely to occur on the very first matchday of the season.
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