Paris Saint-Germain are not planning an immediate offer for Ibrahim Maza, Bayer Leverkusen’s Algerian attacking midfielder, according to Sky Sport Germany. The serious injury to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG’s left winger, has shifted the Parisians’ priorities in the market.
According to Sky Sport Germany, Paris Saint-Germain are not planning to make an immediate offer for the Algerian attacking midfielder. The 20-year-old, a Hertha Berlin academy product, remains under contract with Bayer Leverkusen.
The injury to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has changed the situation. On Tuesday 20 October, the Georgian suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the Champions League clash with FC Barcelona, which the Parisians won 4-2. PSG’s medical staff estimate his absence at between seven and nine months, according to Dailysports. According to Foot-Africa.com, the PSG hierarchy are now redirecting their priorities in the market.
A central profile that doesn’t fit
Yet PSG’s need is specific. According to Foot-Africa.com, Luis Enrique, PSG’s head coach, is looking for a genuine left winger capable of making an immediate impact, rather than a central creative midfielder. Maza, 20, operates mainly between the lines and through the middle, a profile that doesn’t match this tactical emergency.
The player is not being ignored by PSG, however. Parisian scouts have watched him in his recent Bundesliga appearances, Foot-Africa.com reports. The interest exists, then, but it doesn’t match the position the club wants to strengthen as a priority.
Leverkusen don’t want to sell
On the German side, the position is clear. Bayer Leverkusen are counting on their Algerian international, according to Foot-Africa.com, and are not selling their prize asset in the middle of the season, according to Sky Sport Germany.
The situation therefore remains unresolved: on one side, a club that doesn’t want to let go of their player; on the other, a PSG that has made no offer and whose need is for a different profile.
January in their sights
According to Sky Sport Germany, the file on a loan or transfer for a pure winger is being worked on internally for the January winter window. The need is identified: a winger capable of stepping in for Kvaratskhelia, who is out for between seven and nine months.
The decision rests with Luis Enrique and PSG’s recruitment department, who must finalise their shortlist of wingers by the end of November.