Since Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) took over as Paris Saint-Germain’s sole owner in 2012, the club has experienced a series of disappointments and setbacks in European competitions. The recent elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich is just another addition to their long list of Champions League failures. President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the prominent face of the club’s management, has tirelessly tried various approaches, but success in Europe has continued to elude them.
Sporting directors such as Luis Campos this season and Leonardo in previous seasons have played prominent roles, yet they, along with numerous managers including Laurent Blanc, Unai Emery, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, and Christophe Galtier, have been unable to find the winning formula for Champions League success. This tournament remains PSG’s primary objective, and despite boasting star players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and even Sergio Ramos, who won the Champions League four times with Real Madrid, the club has yet to claim the ultimate prize.
Let’s take a closer look at PSG spending since 2012 in comparison to other top European clubs:
| Club | Player purchases | Player sales | Net spend | Champions League wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | €1.482 billion | €505.15 million | €976.85 million | 0 |
| Real Madrid | €1.134 billion | €1.008 billion | €126.65 million | 5 |
| Bayern Munich | €885.7 million | €475.1 million | €410.6 million | 2 |
| Barcelona | €1.638 billion | €973.52 million | €665.16 million | 1 |
| Chelsea | €2.176 billion | €1.120.68 billion | €1.055 billion | 1 |
| Liverpool | €1.161 billion | €715.92 million | €445.21 million | 1 |
What frustrates PSG the most is that despite outspending almost all of their direct competitors, they have failed to secure a Champions League victory. Since QSI’s takeover, PSG has spent €1.482 billion on new players, but with only €505.15 million recouped from player sales, their net spend stands at a staggering €976.85 million. This considerable investment has resulted in zero Champions League titles.
While Chelsea and Manchester City have had higher net spends due to the Premier League’s recent financial boom, they have managed to achieve Champions League success. Chelsea secured the trophy in 2021, and Manchester City, still in the running, has the potential to win it this year. In contrast, PSG’s European journey ends in disappointment once again, as they were eliminated by Bayern Munich. The Cityzens, led by Pep Guardiola, drew 1-1 with RB Leipzig in the round of 16 first leg and are considered favorites to progress to the quarter-finals.
The success of more traditional elite-level clubs in the Champions League is noteworthy. Real Madrid, for instance, has won the tournament five times since QSI’s involvement, spending €1.134 billion with a net spend of just €126.65 million, a fraction of PSG’s expenditure. Bayern Munich, with a relatively modest net spend of €410.6 million, has lifted the trophy twice, while Liverpool, despite a similar net spend of €445.21 million, has also clinched the Champions League once and reached the final on two other occasions.
The PSG “projects” have highlighted that big names and big spending don’t always guarantee big results. The recent elimination from the Champions League once again reinforces the all-too-familiar feeling of disappointment in Paris.
Here’s a breakdown of PSG spending per season since 2012:
| PSG season | Player purchases | Player sales | Net spend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-2013 | €151 million | €4.75 million | €146.25 million |
| 2013-2014 | €135.9 million | €26.5 million | €109.4 million |
| 2014-2015 | €49.5 million | €2.2 million | €47.3 million |
| 2015-2016 | €116.1 million | €22.9 million | €93.2 million |
| 2016-2017 | €134.5 million | €59.8 million | €74.7 million |
| 2017-2018 | €238 million | €98.4 million | €139.6 million |
| 2018-2019 | €262 million | €114 million | €148 million |
| 2019-2020 | €95 million | €105.9 million | -€10.9 million |
| 2020-2021 | €62 million | €0.4 million | €61.6 million |
| 2021-2022 | €91 million | €11 million | €80 million |
| 2022-2023 | €147.5 million | €59.3 million | €88.2 million |
| TOTAL | €1,482 billion | €505.15 million | €976.85 million |
Although PSG’s quest for European glory remains unfulfilled, they have enjoyed significant domestic success under QSI’s ownership. Before 2012, the club had only won the French title twice. Since then, they have clinched the Ligue 1 trophy on eight additional occasions. Their dominance in French football has been notable, with six out of their 14 Coupe de France victories occurring in the last 11 years. Additionally, PSG triumphed in the Coupe de la Ligue six times in seven seasons before its discontinuation in 2020.
It’s worth mentioning that PSG did win a major European trophy before QSI’s involvement. In 1995-96, they claimed the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, defeating Rapid Vienna in the final. Notable players such as Youri Djorkaeff and Bernard Lama were part of the team, which showcased their ability to achieve European success.
Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding PSG
PSG’s ascent to the upper echelons of football has not been without its fair share of controversies and criticisms. One of the main concerns surrounding the club is their financial practices and compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. PSG’s significant spending, particularly in the transfer market, has raised eyebrows and drawn the attention of UEFA. As a result, the club has faced sanctions and ongoing investigations regarding their financial activities. Paying stupid money on Neymar, making other clubs pay more for their replacements a ripple affect in the transfermarket.
Another criticism aimed at PSG relates to their dominance in French football. With their substantial financial resources, the club has been able to assemble a star-studded squad that has consistently outperformed their domestic rivals. This has led to debates about the lack of competitive balance in Ligue 1, with some arguing that PSG’s financial advantage stifles competition and undermines the growth and competitiveness of other clubs in the league.
PSG Impact on the Footballing Landscape
PSG’s rise to prominence has had a profound impact on the footballing landscape, both domestically and internationally. The club’s extravagant spending has set new benchmarks in the transfer market, with inflated fees becoming increasingly common. Other clubs have been compelled to adjust their strategies and spending habits to keep pace with PSG’s financial might, leading to a shift in the dynamics of player transfers and contract negotiations.
Furthermore, PSG’s success and the global appeal of their star players have significantly boosted the club’s brand and international recognition. The Parisian club has become a magnet for top talent from around the world, with players eager to be part of their ambitious project. This increased international appeal has not only enhanced PSG’s global fanbase but has also raised the profile of French football as a whole.
However, it is important to note that PSG’s rapid ascent has been met with both admiration and criticism. While their financial strength has allowed them to achieve remarkable success, it has also sparked concerns about the potential ramifications for the overall competitiveness and integrity of the sport. The ongoing debates surrounding PSG’s approach and the wider implications of their financial influence continue to shape discussions within the footballing community.
Losing Youth Talents for Free: A Closer Look at PSG Academy Products
Over the years, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has seen several talented players emerge from their renowned academy, only to depart the club for free or at a relatively low cost. This trend of losing youth talents has raised questions about the effectiveness of PSG’s player development and retention strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some notable examples:
Kingsley Coman: One of the most prominent academy products to leave PSG is Kingsley Coman. Despite his immense talent, Coman made just four appearances for the PSG first team before joining Juventus in 2014. Although his time with the Italian giants didn’t go as planned, a successful two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich paved the way for a permanent move to the German powerhouse. Coman’s subsequent achievements have showcased the missed opportunity for PSG to capitalize on his potential.
Adrien Rabiot: Adrien Rabiot, another product of PSG’s youth system, also departed the club on a free transfer. After enduring contract disputes and public disagreements, Rabiot made the move to Juventus. It is worth noting that prior to his time at PSG, Rabiot had a brief stint in Manchester City’s youth setup in 2008. His departure highlights the challenges PSG has faced in retaining and nurturing their promising talents.
Mamadou Sakho: Mamadou Sakho’s journey at PSG began when he joined their youth team at the age of 12. He went on to make over 200 appearances for the first team and even captained the side. However, with the influx of money following QSI’s ownership, Sakho’s opportunities became limited, leading to a transfer to Liverpool in 2013. After his spell at Anfield, Sakho continued his career at Crystal Palace before joining Montpellier. His departure from PSG represents a missed opportunity to retain a homegrown talent.
Christopher Nkunku: Christopher Nkunku, a talented midfielder, accumulated over 70 appearances for PSG. Despite showing promise, Nkunku struggled to secure consistent playing time due to the abundance of midfield talent at the club. Consequently, he made a move to RB Leipzig at the beginning of the 2019/20 season. Nkunku’s impressive performances for Leipzig, including their memorable run to the Champions League semi-finals, have attracted attention from top European clubs, underlining PSG’s loss in letting him go.
These examples highlight a recurring pattern at PSG, where young talents leave the club and find success elsewhere. The departures of Coman, Rabiot, Sakho, and Nkunku emphasize the need for PSG to reevaluate their approach to player development, nurturing talent, and ensuring that promising youngsters have a clear pathway to the first team. By addressing these issues, PSG can aim to retain their academy products and maximize their potential within the club.
Overall, PSG’s track record of losing promising youth talents for free raises concerns about their ability to capitalize on their own player development efforts. It is a matter that requires attention and strategic planning to ensure the club can harness the potential of their academy products and build a sustainable pathway for success.
The Qatar ownership has brought trophies and ambitions, but it seems like it lacked direction and structure, and the true trophy they really want is still not in there hands. With all the World Class player they have/had they only managed to get the a final once. Win the Champions League isn’t a measuring stick but for a club in a league where the average Ligue 1 spends is €50 million, PSG would dwarf them by spending €150 million. Manchester City has done it the right way, brought in Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain in 2012, they were there to create a structure and path, like signings, youth development and training facility, they did all that before the messiah came Pep Guardiola. Manchester City has FFP issues, only time will time if they are branched any rules or laws. Newcastle United has been smart since their takeover, havent spent stupid money, clever in their signings, now they are in Champions League we will see how they maintain their status.
Catch you in the next one.