Gianluigi Buffon is aware that he will need to fight for a starting place in PSG’s squad. The Italian keeper has just transferred to the French club. Tough competition and poor results in friendlies will make the race to become PSG’s #1 all that much harder.
There are clubs in European football that rarely have to worry about expenses. These elite clubs can afford some of football’s biggest names. And in many cases they can end up stockpiling talent. PSG is now such a club.
Gianluigi Buffon ended his 17 year time at Juventus at the end of last season. The 40 year old made it clear he was eager to continue playing. Given his record and recent form, it was naturally high profile clubs would show interest.
The ever changing Paris Saint-Germain won. Signing Buffon shows just how serious they are to finally reach their lofty ambitions, to win the Champions League. Buffon himself, a World Cup champions, has reached the UCL final on three occasions.
But being the first choice for PSG’s keeper position will not be so simple and Gigi knows it. “I haven’t spoken to anybody, but it’s important for me to say one thing: in my 24-year career, nobody has ever told me ‘you will be the main goalkeeper’,” Buffon told reporters.
While the Italian does still clearly possess amazing abilities, PSG already has two other solid options for the goalie position. Alphonse Areola and Kevin Trapp. Both are due to return to training following their World Cup travel, representing France and Germany.
💪🏻🔴🔵🇸🇬 #Training #IciCestParis pic.twitter.com/BMy5B9SnXN
— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) July 27, 2018
PSG also has a new manager in tow. Thomas Tuchel takes over for Unai Emery. Many believe the German will initially tend to favor the more experienced Buffon, ahead of Alerola and Trapp. The former international made his debut in the friendly games against Arsenal and Bayern Munchen. Despite these being merely exhibition matches, the heavy losses may have made a dent in Parians’ optimism.
There is also the possibility that PSG could offload one of their keepers by the end of the transfer window. Naturally, both Trapp and Areola will be eager for starting player status. It is rumored that Chelsea are interested in signing Areola should Courtois leave the club for Real Madrid.
Regardless, PSG are anxious to make a huge impression in Europe this year and will spare no expenses. Ligue 1 and the Champions League are back soon and all games will be hosted through FootballCoin contests. Join our community of managers now!
