Luis Enrique seeks the new Kvaratskhelia
The Paris Saint-Germain is considering several alternatives to replace the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whom they signed in a winter market
The PSG transfer market is exploring alternatives to strengthen its attack ahead of January, and Ibrahim Maza, an attacking midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen, has emerged among the names linked to the Parisian club. The Algerian international, 20 years old, has acknowledged that playing in Paris someday would be one of his major goals, although there is no confirmation of an offer or negotiations between the clubs.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's injury opens the debate at PSG
The serious injury of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, has forced PSG to evaluate how to cover his absence in the coming months. The French club faces a significant setback in attack, although Luis Enrique has alternatives within the squad and has not confirmed whether he will request a signing in January.
The Georgian was injured during the Champions League match against Barcelona. The severity of the diagnosis implies that the team will have to manage his absence in several competitions, including the Intercontinental Cup in December, for which he will not be available.
In this scenario, various names have appeared linked to the Paris market, including Ez Abde, Nico Williams, and Ibrahim Maza. However, not all rumors have the same backing: reports about Maza have been contradictory, and there is no confirmation of an agreement to replace Kvaratskhelia.
🚨🚨💣 Ibrahim MAZA 🇩🇿 RÊVE DE JOUER UN JOUR AU PSG !!!! 👇❤️💙 « Bien sûr, ce serait un ÉNORME RÊVE de jouer un jour pour un si grand club. Je pense que nous savons tous à quel point Paris est un IMMENSE CLUB. C’est l’un des MEILLEURS CLUBS AU MONDE, aux côtés du Real Madrid, de Barcelone et d’Arsenal. Jouer pour un club comme celui-là est quelque chose vers quoi je travaille, non seulement moi, mais aussi de nombreux autres footballeurs. » 🤩 🎙️ @SkySportDE via @Plettigoal
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) November 4, 2026
Ibrahim Maza, an option being monitored by PSG
The name Ibrahim Maza gained traction after Sky Sport Germany reported that PSG was keeping an eye on the player and considering him among their possible targets. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, an international with Algeria, plays for Bayer Leverkusen, where he is contracted until 2030.
His performance supports the interest he has generated in the market. Maza has contributed four goals and three assists in 12 matches during the start of the 2026-2027 season, according to data published by Get French Football News. His ability to play centrally and in attacking positions allows him to offer a different profile than that of the Georgian winger.
However, there is an important nuance. The French outlet RMC Sport reported that PSG did not plan to make a move for Maza in the winter market, despite the news from Germany. Therefore, his name should be considered a possibility linked to the club's monitoring, not a signing in progress.
Luis Enrique will need to evaluate alternatives for January
The position of Bayer Leverkusen complicates any operation. The German entity considers Maza a piece for the future and is working to extend his contract beyond 2030, with a salary increase. PSG would need to present a convincing offer if it decides to turn its monitoring into a negotiation.
Additionally, the player has made clear his admiration for the French team. In an interview with RTL and Sky Sport Germany on November 4, he explained that playing someday at PSG would be a personal goal, positioning it among reference clubs alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Arsenal. That statement expresses a professional aspiration, but does not equate to a transfer request.
The next step will depend on the sporting and economic decisions of PSG before the opening of the January market. Luis Enrique will have to determine whether it is sufficient to reorganize the available resources or if he needs to bring in a forward; for now, Ibrahim Maza is among the names related to the club, but the published information does not allow for certainty that he will become the replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Luis Enrique busca al nuevo Kvaratskhelia