Enrique Shifts PSG’s Focus Away from Lamine Yamal, Dembélé’s Future in the Balance
2 November 2025
Overview
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is reportedly steering the club away from pursuing Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain's rising star.
A journalist for the French network Radio Monte Carlo said Enrique presently does not back the idea of signing Yamal.
He also noted that Luis Campos, PSG's sporting advisor, shares Enrique's view at this time.
Separately, it was mentioned that Ousmane Dembélé, PSG's forward and recently highlighted as a Ballon d'Or candidate, is close to extending his contract with the club.
It was added that all parties still need to reach a mutual agreement.
Dembélé joined PSG in 2023 from Barcelona for 50 million euros, the buyout clause in his deal.
In mid-July, Barcelona announced a new contract with Yamal through 2031, granting him the legendary number 10 worn by Barça icons.
Earlier, many reports suggested the Parisians would bid over 200 million euros for the youngster who finished runner-up in this year's Ballon d'Or.
But Yamal's form has dropped sharply since the season began, affected by injuries and fitness issues, reducing his goals and assists from last season's peak for Barça.
The 18-year-old shined for Spain as Euro 2024 champions in Germany and helped La Roja win a Nations League silver medal after losing to Portugal in the final on penalties in early June.
Yamal was promoted to Barça's first team in late 2022-23 under Xavi and became a core player under the next coaches, including Hans Flick.
He has 3 goals and 5 assists in 8 games this season across all competitions, with 28 goals and 39 assists in 114 Barça appearances, and 6 goals in 23 Spain caps since his debut in September 2023.
PSG, led by Enrique, has finalized three summer signings to strengthen defense and goalkeeping with young talents after a wave of departures.
PSG added goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille, defender Ilia Zabarni from Bournemouth, and Renato Marin from Roma.
Season and Transfers
PSG's 2025-2026 campaign has begun with six wins and one loss to Marseille in the French derby, plus two draws, placing them near the top as the season unfolds.
Further victories came against Nantes and Angers in early rounds, while a 6-3 win over Toulouse, a 2-0 victory against Lens, and a 2-0 win over Auxerre boosted the early form.
Before the international break, PSG drew at Lille and Strasbourg, briefly losing top spot before reclaiming it with a win over Brest, then drawing with Lorient and edging Nice in a tense stretch of a title bid.
In Europe, the club has been flawless in four matches, opening by lifting the European Super Cup with a shootout win over Tottenham after a 2-2 draw. In the first three Champions League outings, PSG beat Atalanta 4-0, Barcelona 2-1, and Leverkusen 7-2, all setting a confident tone for the defense of their continental crown.
Punchlines: If transfer rumors paid salaries, PSG would be rolling in cash; and if this saga had a soundtrack, it would be a cliffhanger with a goal in the last minute.
