Luis Enrique defends PSG's "exceptional" transfer window and explains Barcola's departure

Luis Enrique defended PSG’s summer transfer window, calling it “exceptional”, ahead of the club’s home match against Monaco in Ligue 1 matchday 3. The Parisian club generated 334.3 million euros in sales against only 152 million spent, yielding a net profit of over 180 million euros.

The most striking departure was that of Bradley Barcola, sold to Liverpool for 125 million euros, a club record. The Spanish manager explained the circumstances of the deal: “It’s a different case because he grew tremendously at Paris. He helped the team grow a lot with his performances and his wish was to have more weight in terms of playing time.” Luis Enrique acknowledged he could not guarantee him additional playing time: “In the end, I think everyone benefits from this situation. He had two years left on his contract, but we accepted it and we wish him the best.”

Beyond Barcola, PSG sold Gonçalo Ramos to AC Milan (74 million euros), Ibrahim Mbaye to Aston Villa (55 million euros), Randal Kolo Muani to Juventus Turin (41.2 million euros) and Lee Kang-in to Atlético Madrid (35 million euros). In return, the defending Ligue 1 champions recruited Maghnes Akliouche (50 million euros), Ferran Torres (48.5 million euros), Mika Godts (45 million euros) and Lucas Digne (7 million euros).

Facing criticism that PSG had weakened itself, Luis Enrique dismissed the doubts: “The president and the board with Luis Campos did incredible work. I’m very happy.” He deemed these departures “necessary” to “bring new energy to the team in terms of ambition”, and expressed satisfaction with the versatility of his new attacking recruits: “They play everywhere across the attack, that will be important this season. When I see what they’re already showing in training, I’m pleased.”

The Spanish coach also warned that this policy of deliberate sales is set to continue: “It will be normal in the future for important players to leave and we must accept it.” PSG faces this clash against Monaco in a precarious position, eleventh in the standings after two draws conceded against Rennes (2-2) and Lille (2-2).