Paris Saint-Germain aren’t often associated with astute, bargain signings.
After all, this is a club responsible for every one of the six biggest signings in Ligue 1’s 90-year history. The Qatari royal family has dipped into its seemingly endless reserves to build a galaxy of shining stars in the French capital.
But with financial fair play restrictions and the events of the past eight months forcing PSG to drop their ‘kid in a sweetshop’ approach to recruitment, Thomas Tuchel’s all-conquering side has become no stranger to a cut-price deal or the odd short-term loan.
During the past few transfer windows, the Parisiens have boosted their squad with free agents such as Ander Herrera, Marcin Bulka, Mitchel Bakker, Rafinha and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. Meanwhile, Mauro Icardi, Sergio Rico, Danilio Pereira and Alessandro Florenzi have arrived on loan.
And the latter, an Italian international and former Roma captain, is already shaping up to be one of the most inspired signings on the continent this season.
Especially when you consider he has a £7 million purchase option in his contract (RMC).
Gianluca di Marzio reported Carlo Ancelotti wanted Florenzi at Everton as competition for Seamus Coleman, while Leeds United felt the converted right-back was the perfect fit for Marcelo Bielsa’s rapid-fire football at Elland Road (Milan Live).
Their loss, however, has been Tuchel’s gain.
29-year-old Florenzi has silenced his doubters with an exceptional start to life in Paris, scoring brilliant individual goals against Angers and Nimes while proving a substantial upgrade on £33 million Germany international Thilo Kehrer.
“His integration has been very good. It was very fast, with him it is very easy,” Tuchel told PlanetPSG, desperate for Florenzi to return from injury ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.
“He speaks Italian, he can understand Spanish and French. He is a very communicative guy. In addition, he has quality on the pitch.
“He is very dangerous offensively.”
Few would have expected an ageing full-back discarded by Roma to shine so brightly in a team boasting the magisterial talents of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel di Maria and more.
But while Florenzi’s attitude has never been in question, he’s proving at a bonafide continental giant he’s not short of ability either.
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