Luis Enrique chooses Kvaratskhelia's substitute

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has placed Ibrahim Maza at the top of their list of targets to strengthen their attack after confirming the anterior cruciate ligament rupture of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The next target for PSG's transfers is a top-level forward for their rotation.

The French club's board has intensified monitoring of the Algerian international from Bayer Leverkusen in preparation for the upcoming transfer windows, following the news that the Georgian winger will need surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.

The impact of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's absence on PSG's planning

The Georgian attacker left the field in the 59th minute of the 4-2 victory over FC Barcelona in the Champions League, being replaced by Maghnes Akliouche before the severity of the diagnosis on his right knee was confirmed.

The absence of the winger adds to the muscular problems suffered by Ousmane Dembélé and Marquinhos in the same match, forcing Luis Enrique to reorganize the offensive line for the upcoming months of competition.

To cover the position on the left flank in the short term, the coaching staff has Mika Godts, a 21-year-old winger signed in the summer from Ajax with a contract until 2031, who scored 17 goals and provided 15 assists in 44 matches during the 2025/2026 season.

Ibrahim Maza's profile and tactical fit with Luis Enrique

The 20-year-old player has scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists in 8 official matches played during the start of the current season with Bayer Leverkusen. The versatility of the Algerian international allows him to operate as a central attacking midfielder or starting from the left wing towards the center, a trait that fits in with Luis Enrique's associative approach as an attacking midfielder or false winger in combination with an overlapping full-back.

The addition of the player from the German team would bring a profile of imbalance in tight spaces, enhancing fluidity in the final third alongside target men in the area.

Premier League competition and Bayer Leverkusen's shielding plans

PSG's interest aligns with the monitoring being done by Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, and Arsenal on the situation of the young forward in the Bundesliga.

However, Bayer Leverkusen's management has started discussions to extend his current contract — currently signed until June 2030 — with a salary increase fitting his crucial role in the team's setup.

Any club looking to finalize his transfer during the winter window will have to present a substantial financial proposal to convince the German club's board. PSG's emissaries will attend the player's matches in the German championship before initiating formal contacts.

If the Argentine attacking midfielder rejects the contract renewal offer from Bayer Leverkusen before the end of the current season, PSG will start moving to finalize his signing in the winter market and have

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Luis Enrique elige al sustituto de Kvaratskhelia