Luis Enrique has persisted Paris Saint-Germain will be a stronger team next campaign despite losing their star player Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer.
After months of speculation, football's worst-kept secret was exposed on Friday(yesterday) evening when Mbappe declared that he will leave PSG upon the expire of his contract this summer.
PSG are being blown financially as their French international appears to be leave in on a free transfer though they have long protected themselves with a legal agreement with Kylian Mbappe that will see them recover a huge loyalty bonus paid to him, with his king's ransom salary also off the books as well, PSG are estimated to be saving around €225m.
PSG are prepared to invest a large majority of that sum in the playing squad this summer and Enrique expects the French side to look significantly stronger by the time the new season arrives.
"I'm convinced that, regardless of the players who are here, I'm convinced that next season we will be stronger, that's how I see things," he stressed.
"Despite the fact that people often wanted to confront us, and the fact that Kylian denied things, all I can say is that he is a wonderful footballer and a wonderful person. I understand his decision, he spent seven years here, he always gave everything for the club, and the club gave him everything. I wish him the best. He still hasn't said where he's going even though it's clear to everyone.
"I don't complain about Kylian on any level. It's always been the case, he's a leader. PSG will continue to be a great team. We want to recruit players who are hungry, who want to identify with the club, but I am very proud to have experienced this season with Kylian Mbappe."
Mbappe is speculated to join Real Madrid this summer, adding to an attacking force which already includes Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and fellow new face Endrick.
Despite that surplus of talent, Enrique expects Mbappe to find a way to stand out.
"Kylian is a great footballer, someone close to you, optimistic, who always has a smile," Enrique said. "He is prepared for whatever happens to him. I give him 10/10 as a person and 10/10 as a footballer."
Nowvibapress understands PSG have considered moves for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Napoli's Victor Osimhen as potential replacements for Mbappe, while reports elsewhere have named the likes of Liverpool's Luis Diaz and Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as targets.
