PSG Now A Retirement Home

July 21, 2008

PSG has just announced another exciting (depends on where you fit in the Ligue 1 scheme) signing, with the addition of Claude Makelele from Chelsea. At 35, he certainly is not getting any younger, but he has signed a 5, yes 5 year deal with PSG, which will intially see him on a 2 year playing contract with a 3 year management contract, as an ambassador to the community yadda yadda yadda. But their is an option for a 3 year, the could apply if Makelele and the management think he is either still in shape to play or not ready to join the front office yet (excuses excuses).

Along with the signing of Makelele, Lillian Thuram joined PSG earlier in the summer after being a free agent from Barcelona. He, like Makelele, was once one of the worlds best in his position, but now is on the down slope. Which means why is this an exciting signing for PSG? Well, he has great pedigree, and leadership ability which should translate to a more stable PSG team thats loaded with young talent. I know Mamadou Sakho (even Lars M’Biala if he stays at the club) will be happy to learn from Lillian. And Sankhare/N’Goyi will certainly learn alot from Makelele, who will probably be playing along side one of Jeremy Clement or Clement Chantome or Sessegnon.

Also in the offing for PSG is Ludovic Giuly. At 32, he is a youngster to Thuram and Makelele, and should provide some width on the right that the club has lacked for awhile. He could also play as the second striker with Luyindula or Hoarau(or Pauleta if he returns). He will also hope that old friend Jerome Rothen will return to some sort of form he showed at Monaco with him, and that PSG can be a contender for the title this year.

With the signings of Hoarau and Sessegnon to add to these three veterans, PSG has put together a decent squad for the upcoming campaign. I still doubt their strength at right back, while a more creative central player wouldnt be a bad addition. Jimmy Brian’s protracted move keeps swaying back in forth between Rennes and PSG, so we will have to see about that, but for once, will PSG live up to the hype it gets? Or will it be battling relegation for yet another season? Cant wait for the season to get under way!

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