With Mbappé leaving PSG, discover how the club plans to rebuild. From new signings to tactical shifts, explore what’s next for the French giants in the league.
Mbappé’s Departure: How PSG Plans to Replace Their Star
Kylian Mbappé’s exit from Paris Saint-Germain marks the end of an era. For years, he was the centerpiece of PSG’s attack, the face of Ligue 1, and one of the most feared forwards in world football. With his move to Real Madrid now finalized, questions loom large: How will PSG respond? Who will replace his goals, pace, and charisma? Can the club maintain dominance in the league and finally win the Champions League?
In this Dis88 article, we break down PSG’s strategy for the post-Mbappé era—from tactical changes to potential replacements, youth integration, and the club’s broader vision.
The Mbappé Era at PSG: A Legacy of Speed and Stardom
Since arriving from AS Monaco in 2017, Mbappé scored over 200 goals for PSG and led the team to numerous domestic trophies. His blistering pace, lethal finishing, and knack for turning big moments into unforgettable ones made him irreplaceable in many ways.
But Mbappé’s departure isn’t entirely unexpected. PSG had been preparing for this possibility for years, especially after his transfer saga in 2021 and again in 2023. This time, the deal is done. And now, PSG must reinvent themselves.
Key Challenges in Replacing Mbappé
Replacing Mbappé isn’t just about finding a player who scores 30+ goals a season. It’s also about rethinking how PSG builds their attack and maintains a global brand without one of the most marketable names in football.
Here are the main challenges PSG faces:
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Loss of Star Power: Mbappé was not just a footballer—he was a global icon. His departure affects PSG’s marketing and media profile.
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Tactical Adaptation: With Mbappé gone, the team’s playing style must evolve. He was central to counter-attacking tactics and vertical play.
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Fan Expectations: Supporters expect PSG to remain dominant in the league and be competitive in Europe.
Tactical Shift Under Luis Enrique
Manager Luis Enrique is known for his flexible, possession-based style. With Mbappé gone, Enrique has more freedom to build a true team system, rather than structuring play around a single superstar.
Expect PSG to adopt a more balanced attacking approach with:
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Wider roles for wingers like Ousmane Dembélé and Marco Asensio
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Increased central involvement from midfielders like Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery
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More collective pressing and fluid transitions rather than relying on individual brilliance
The post-Mbappé era could allow PSG to resemble more cohesive sides like Manchester City or Bayern Munich, where the sum of the parts is greater than any one player.
Transfer Strategy: Who Could Fill the Void?
PSG has already made moves in the transfer market to prepare for life after Mbappé. While no single player can replace him, the club hopes a group of rising stars and smart acquisitions can collectively do the job.
1. Randal Kolo Muani
Signed last season, Kolo Muani is a dynamic forward with speed and intelligence. Though not yet world-class, he’s expected to take on a leading role.
2. Bradley Barcola
The young French winger has impressed with his creativity and work ethic. Enrique sees him as a key piece in PSG’s future attack.
3. Gonçalo Ramos
The Portuguese striker, known for his goal-scoring instincts, could become PSG’s main number 9. While he doesn’t have Mbappé’s flair, he offers reliable finishing and physical presence.
4. New Signings Expected
Rumors suggest PSG could target players like Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Victor Osimhen (Napoli), or even Marcus Rashford if available. A marquee signing would help fill the gap in both performance and publicity.
Youth Academy Integration: The Long-Term Plan
One of the most promising outcomes of Mbappé’s departure is the renewed focus on youth. PSG’s academy is filled with talent that often gets overlooked due to high-profile signings.
Players like:
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Warren Zaïre-Emery – Already a first-team regular, and seen as a future club captain.
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Ilyes Housni – A highly-rated striker ready to break into senior football.
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El Chadaille Bitshiabu – A strong defensive prospect who could anchor the backline for years.
With less pressure to feed one superstar, Enrique can now develop a deeper, more well-rounded squad rooted in youth.
A New Era of Balance and Identity
Perhaps the biggest benefit of Mbappé’s exit is the opportunity for PSG to redefine itself—not as a club of galácticos, but as a competitive, modern football team with a clear identity.
Under sporting director Luis Campos and coach Luis Enrique, PSG aims to:
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Build a team ethos over individual stardom
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Create depth and positional flexibility
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Compete more consistently in Europe with a tactical core
It’s a back-to-basics approach—but one that could yield more sustainable success.
Can PSG Still Dominate the League?
In Ligue 1, PSG remains the strongest side on paper. Rivals like Marseille, Lyon, and Monaco are improving, but they still lack PSG’s financial and squad depth.
Even without Mbappé, PSG’s front line featuring Kolo Muani, Ramos, Barcola, and Dembélé is still one of the best in the league. The midfield has added control, and the defense—anchored by Marquinhos and Donnarumma—remains solid.
Expect PSG to still be favorites for the 2025/26 Ligue 1 title. However, they may face tighter races and must avoid complacency.
Can They Compete in Europe?
Europe is the true test. Mbappé’s departure leaves a hole in the Champions League quest. But it could also be the catalyst for a new tactical maturity.
If PSG can use this season to:
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Grow their tactical identity
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Improve defensive structure
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Balance squad roles and reduce ego conflicts
Then the club might finally be positioned not just to go deep in the Champions League, but to win it.
Conclusion: Life After Mbappé Begins Now
Losing a generational player like Kylian Mbappé is always painful. But it also brings a rare chance for growth, reinvention, and long-term planning. PSG seems to be embracing that challenge by focusing on youth, collective tactics, and sustainable recruitment.
Only time will tell if these efforts can match the brilliance that Mbappé brought to the Parc des Princes. But one thing is clear: the post-Mbappé era will define the next chapter of PSG’s legacy.
As PSG enters a new phase, Ligue 1 fans everywhere have a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of one of football’s biggest clubs. Let’s continue supporting the league by celebrating the rising stars, epic rivalries, and tactical drama that make it special. Stay tuned, because the league is just getting started.
