Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director has admitted that it would be ‘terrible’ if Adil Aouchiche departed on a free amid interest from Arsenal and Leeds United, speaking to LejDD.
Given the choice, the Ligue 1 champions would hand this teenage midfielder a ten-year contract tomorrow.
But, as PSG have discovered again and again over the years, keeping hold of your best young players is not easy when the path to first-team football is blocked by so many superstars.
Last summer, Aouchiche equalled Michel Platini’s 35-year record when he scored nine goals during France’s victorious U17 European Championship campaign.
Just weeks later, the 17-year-old playmaker became the youngest debutant in PSG history.
But, with his contract due to expire in July, it looks for all the world that Aouchiche will fulfil his dazzling potential away from the Parc des Princes.
“(This situation) is terrible for clubs because it places us in complex situations, where we have the choice between letting go or overpaying,” Leonardo explains, suggesting that Aouchiche will not be offered a new deal on much-improved terms.
“At PSG, there is competition (for places). So, for 16-17 year olds, it’s difficult to claim a place. And generally, since they don’t play, they don’t sign a contract and instead join clubs that have been courting them for years.”
90Min suggested in April that Leeds could offer Aouchiche the chance to hone his dazzling skills under one of the most influential coaches of the 21st century – a certain Marcelo Bielsa.
Arsenal were also linked via ESPN in May.
And, with a place in UEFA and PSG history on his CV already, you can expect Aouchiche to make an impact of Cesc Fabregas or Gabriel Martinelli-sized proportions if he moves to north London.
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