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Selling David Luiz to Chelsea Would Be a Brilliant Move for Paris Saint-Germain
- Updated: August 31, 2016
Going into the new season, it was expected that David Luiz would continue to play as Thiago Silva’s partner at the heart of the Paris Saint-Germain defence.
However, the move to install Unai Emery as the club’s new manager cast some doubt on this, and the former Brazil international is heavily linked with a return move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day, per Sky Sports’ Paul Vinnell.
This news comes as much as a shock as the original £50 million move to Paris in the summer of 2014, but it would be a deal that would be a positive move for the Ligue 1 champions.
Can confirm £30m+ @ChelseaFC bid for David Luiz and discussions ongoing – player thought to be keen on a return
— Jim White (@JimWhite) August 30, 2016
It was felt that Laurent Blanc bowed to Thiago Silva’s wishes and continued to play Luiz beside the captain, despite the very talented Marquinhos waiting in the wings.
Serge Aurier’s suspension helped the club in one way. It allowed the younger Brazilian to fill in at right-back and give the 22-year-old precious playing time.
Not part of Brazil’s Copa America or Olympic squads, Luiz played from the outset of PSG’s pre-season, and it didn’t get off to the best start.
Just 15 minutes into Emery’s first game, against West Bromwich Albion, Luiz managed to bizarrely put the ball in his own net. It wasn’t the ideal start, and it’s unlikely it would have impressed the new boss.
Before this news, PSG were likely to go into the new campaign with four first-team centre-backs.
Marquinhos and Kimpembe would be a better pairing anyway!!
— Rich Allen (@rich_allen85) August 30, 2016
Silva would be the undoubted first-choice, with Luiz and Marquinhos to fight it out as his partner. Presnel Kimpembe would also take up the substitute role, something the youngster was fairly happy with when he spoke to Goal France during pre-season, per ESPN FC’s Jonathan Johnson:
I always wanted to stay. I never wanted to leave and I have been vindicated in my choice. This year, I hope to play between 20 and 25 matches with PSG but that will depend on injuries and my performances.
It will be tough and we know who the starters are.
Competition is something good because it is what helps you develop. Their returns will force me to give even more.
[…]
The coach has shown me that he has confidence in me and I had been hoping that he would trust me.
Silva picked up an injury during pre-season in America, and with Marquinhos at the Olympics, young Kimpembe started the opening three league games alongside Luiz. It’s no exaggeration to say the Frenchman has looked the most comfortable …
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