Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has signed striker Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to €95 million ($112 million). Earlier reports had suggested the deal had collapsed, but Muani refused to return to Frankfurt and expressed his desire to move to Paris. The transfer fee will be an initial €75 million ($88 million) plus €15 million ($18 million) in add-ons, making Muani the seventh most expensive departure in Bundesliga history. Sky Germany reported that the entire package could be even higher at €95 million. Muani joined Frankfurt on a free transfer from Nantes last summer and had an impressive season, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists in 32 Bundesliga games. He was also part of the French national team that reached the final of the 2022 World Cup.
The signing of Muani is seen as part of PSG’s long-term strategy to replace star striker Kylian Mbappé. The 24-year-old forward is supposed to be the final piece of a trifecta that includes Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos from Benfica and winger Ousmane Dembélé. Together with Dembélé and Ramos, they are expected to replace Mbappé by committee if and when he leaves the club. Muani’s impressive performance last season, with 0.99 goals and assists per 90 minutes, makes him a valuable addition to the team. However, he still falls short of Mbappé’s output of 1.29 goals and assists per 90 minutes.
The signing of Muani could also potentially persuade Mbappé to stay at PSG. The French superstar has been impressed by Muani’s performances at the World Cup and has supported the club’s attempts to sign him. In the short term, Muani will be expected to fill the void left by Neymar, who has recently departed the club.
The deal represents a significant financial gain for Eintracht Frankfurt, as they had signed Muani on a free transfer and are now set to receive a transfer fee of up to €95 million. The Bundesliga side had been looking to receive at least €100 million for Muani, so the deal comes close to their valuation.
Overall, the signing of Randal Kolo Muani is a major move for PSG as they continue to build a team for the future. With the potential departure of Mbappé looming, the French club is securing young talent to ensure their ongoing success. Muani’s impressive performances last season and his potential to further develop make him a valuable asset for PSG.
