Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Thierno Balde has signed a new contract until 2023, ending speculation linking the highly-rated defender with a move to Leeds United.
This may feel like a minor consolation to PSG fans but it is a consolation nonetheless.
In recent weeks, the Ligue 1 champions have been powerless to prevent two of the most talented teenagers in world football slip agonisingly through their net.
Tanguy Kouassi is heading to Bayern Munich after turning down a new contract at the Parc des Princes while Adil Aouchiche, the so-called ‘new Zidane’ who has already equalled a 34-year-old record previously held by Michel Platini, could follow in his footsteps.
But at least Balde will not be escaping via the back door like so many PSG starlets have done before him, from Kingsley Coman to Boubakary Soumare, Moussa Dembele to Matteo Guendouzi.
PSG have announced that the 18-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal that should keep him in the French capital for three more seasons.
Thus, speculation linking Balde with a move to Leeds or Southampton have been put to bed, a matter of weeks after L’Equipe suggested that he could be packing his bags and heading across the Channel.
Balde is the second PSG left-back to sign fresh terms this week, after Layvin Kurzawa.
Juan Bernat is not going anywhere either, so it remains to be seen if the teen has made the right decision with game-time likely to prove rather elusive.
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