Kolo Muani Must Make a Quick Impression at PSG After Costly Transfer
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has officially introduced Randal Kolo Muani as their latest signing, marking his entrance as the third most expensive transfer in the club’s history. The 24-year-old forward arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in a high-profile move valued at 95 million euros ($101 million). Only Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who joined PSG in 2017 for a combined fee of 402 million euros ($429 million), have commanded higher transfer sums.
Kolo Muani was in the midst of his second season with Eintracht Frankfurt, having already notched three goals in four games, when the opportunity to join the French champions emerged. PSG underwent significant changes in its attacking lineup, with Neymar transferring to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and Lionel Messi opting not to extend his contract, instead moving to Inter Miami.
The forward’s desire to join PSG was so strong that he refused to train with Frankfurt to facilitate the deal, and the transfer was finalized just before the closure of the transfer window. His arrival at PSG reunites him with fellow France national team members Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe, forming a formidable trio that previously featured in the World Cup final against Argentina.
Kolo Muani and Mbappe, both 24 years old, share roots in the Parisian suburb of Bondy. Although they didn’t play together as youth prospects and neither initially joined PSG, their paths have converged at the club. Mbappe initially joined AS Monaco, while Kolo Muani began his professional journey with FC Nantes at the age of 16.
Reflecting on his journey, Kolo Muani said, “I was very nonchalant (at the time). Without the interest shown by Nantes, I don’t know where I would be.”
The prospect of playing alongside Mbappe now seems like a fairy tale scenario for Kolo Muani, who is expected to make his PSG debut when the team faces Nice on Friday. However, the pressure on him to deliver will be immense.
Unlike Mbappe, who burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old sensation with AS Monaco, Kolo Muani took longer to establish himself at the top level. His first Ligue 1 goal came in October 2020 while playing for Nantes, at the age of nearly 22. He gained widespread attention that season with a goal and an assist during Nantes’ victory over PSG.
Since then, his career has been on an upward trajectory. The following season, Kolo Muani netted 12 league goals for Nantes and contributed to the club’s triumph in the French Cup. His impressive attributes, including electrifying pace, balance, and astute passing, earned him a move to Eintracht Frankfurt. There, he experienced the Champions League, became a fan favorite, and registered 23 goals in 46 appearances.
Kolo Muani’s remarkable ascent also caught the attention of the French national team, and he received a call-up. Now, with his move to PSG, the spotlight on him is set to intensify.
France coach Didier Deschamps commented on his rapid rise, saying, “He’s had a phenomenal rise. We were already following him when he was at Nantes, then he proved himself at Frankfurt and met all of our expectations. The transfer to PSG means he will be even more exposed. It’s the flipside of the coin.”
With PSG preparing to kick off its Champions League campaign against Borussia Dortmund, Kolo Muani’s role in the squad and the challenges ahead are anticipated with great interest.
