PSG could break up front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe

PSG are growing increasingly tired of the MNM front three of Lionel Messi (35), Neymar (31) and Kylian Mbappé (24), according to a report from Le Parisien. The outlet reports that, even if their individual outputs in terms of goals and assists can be essential in a troubled season, their low propensity to defend with the other seven outfield players complicates the team’s task. Last Sunday for instance, PSG were badly struggling against Lille but ultimately clinched the three points thanks to Mbappé the individual brilliance of Messi, whose free-kick sealed the win for Les Parisiens.

Le Parisien report that the PSG staff have taken notice that the joint presence of Neymar, Mbappé and Messi inhibited their teammates, who are paralysed at the idea of missing a pass or making a bad choice. Like Mauricio Pochettino before him, PSG head coach Christophe Galtier is forced to resolve a tactical jigsaw : how to make the best use of the front three, knowing their defensive input will be poor, or nonexistent ?

Breaking up the front three of Neymar, Messi and Mbappé is reportedly no longer a taboo at PSG, with some at the club lobbying to take that leap. Financially, PSG needs to offload some of their star players as the club is being monitored by UEFA’s Financial Fair Play watchdog. Ideally, PSG would make keeping Mbappé a priority. The mercurial striker extended his contract last spring until 2025, but the 2024-2025 was an option in the deal and only Mbappé can activate it, meaning he can be out of contract as early as next year. The Qatari owner of PSG does not intend to let him go, and even less for free. As always, Mbappé is expected to play the waiting game to decide if his time in the French capital is up.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval