5 players PSG could sign in January

Paris Saint-Germain are a team on fire, especially in the Champions League. The trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani are basically shooting PSG to the way of glory with goals in almost every game.

However, there is a bit of lacking in their team—something that could stop them from winning it all by the end of the season.

"You are only as good as your weakness", say the learned; and for PSG, their prime weakness is their defence. While their existing three defenders are good, they only have three of them—which is a very thin number in a time where teams play around 60 games every season.

However, the January transfer window is around the corner and PSG can strengthen their area of weakness with these signings…

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#5 Kurt Zouma

Everything about this signing makes sense. For Chelsea, his parent club, he is a player that is not currently wanted. He is French and will not have much of a problem in settling back in his homeland. And he is a great talent—that is what truly matters here.

Zouma might not be seen be a favourite of Antonio Conte, but the truth is that Chelsea have a lot of defenders and Kurt Zouma just didn’t fit the bill for reasons only the Italian manager knows.

However, he is one hell of a talent that can improve any team he plays for. Currently playing for Stoke on loan, he has played in almost every game for his new team and has become an indispensable unit of Mark Hughes’ backline.

If he joins PSG, he would not only add strength in depth, but will actually challenge for a place in the starting spot.

Writer's note: Actually, he did play at left-back quite a few times. In Valverde's first season, he played there quite a few times. Also played there when he was in the youth team.

#4 Aymeric Laporte

Laporte taking on Suarez

The reason why Aymeric Laporte has been mentioned here is not only because of his outstanding talent as a defender, but also his versatility that allows him to play left-back. While PSG’s central defense is thin, Aymeric Laporte would add much needed steel to it while also providing healthy competition against Layvin Kurzawa.

The French centre-back is a very good outlet on the attack but is often caught out defensively and has difficulties against tricky wingers that like to cut inside. While Laporte might not have the attacking forte of his compatriot, he does provide better cover from the left-flank when compared to his French counterpart.

Also, the French connection will also help Laporte settle down quickly in France. The only two problems with this move is that Laporte is cup tied with Athletic Club and that the Basque club won’t want him to go. And we all know how hard it is to get a player off Athletic’s hands when they are not willing.

And if you don’t, then just Manchester United.

#3 Idrissa Gueye

Gueye is a driving force for Everton

Alright, why? I mean, Paris-Saint Germain already have a good team in attack and midfield, so why add another midfielder in a team filled with stars? Well, the thing is, for all the flashiness in Paris, they somewhat lack the not-so-flashy things.

For instance, as mentioned earlier, the Parisiens have only three central defenders in their team—Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Kimpembe—and have no proper holding midfielder. The last claim might irk a few people, but it is the truth.

While both Marco Verratti and Adrien Rabiot are exceptionally talented players, they don’t have the steel to shield the defense—and it is not entirely their lacking. They are creative midfielders and it is not their natural role to defend the backline.

On the other hand, Idrissa Gueye’s natural role is to guard the backline and with a great team, he would be a mountain in front of the defence.

#2 Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves is one of the most talented players hailing from Portugal

Another midfielder in the defensive mould, the case of Ruben Neves is a very curious one. Signed by Wolves for £15.8 million—a record in the Sky Bet Championship league—Neves was a highly coveted talent during his time at Porto.

However, in what was a very absurd move, Neves joined the second division of England when he could have easily bossed it in the top division. Nevertheless, he has taken the league by storm and has shown that he is way too superior for the Championship.

Indeed, he would have been one of the best players in the Premier League should he have played in it. Now that he is at Wolves and that they are leading their division, he might as well play in the Premier League next season.

Hence, this could be the perfect time for PSG to get their hands on the Portuguese. Neves would be the perfect partner for the likes of Verratti and Rabiot due to his exceedingly matured understanding of the game and his ability to read the opponent’s move even before they do.

#1 Faouzi Ghoulam

Ghoulam is a consistent face for Napoli

Layvin Kurzawa is a good player; a young and talented left-back with ability to race forward and put in a good cross. However, there are times when it feels like he could do a little better—especially defensively—but that's something he will improve on as his career progresse.

As good as Kurzawa might be, PSG lack a proper backup at left-back. Yuri is the only other player who could challenge the Frenchman, but the Spaniard isn’t the level at which PSG would have wanted a backup left-back to be.

This is where Faouzi Ghoulam comes in. The left-back has all the qualities that a top player should have. What’s more, he was born in France and wouldn’t have much of problem settling in his birthland. And about his abilities, he would give Kurzawa a run for his money for the starting spot at left-back.