--- title: "PSG’s French Hunt: Who Gets the Next Passport?" description: "Al‑Khelaïfi’s obsession with French players intensifies as PSG eyes Koné, Akliouche and Olise to cement a post‑World Cup core." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/mercato-quel-joueur-de-l-e-quipe-de-france-le-psg-doit-il-1370440f published: 2026-06-29T20:20:21.843+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T20:20:21.843+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # PSG’s French Hunt: Who Gets the Next Passport? > Al‑Khelaïfi’s obsession with French players intensifies as PSG eyes Koné, Akliouche and Olise to cement a post‑World Cup core. PSG’s next French acquisition will decide whether Nasser Al‑Khelaïfi’s passport‑collecting habit turns into a winning squad or another empty slot. The Parisian giants have already turned their scouting radar toward Les Bleus, snapping up Lucas Hernández, Warren Zaïre‑Emery and the versatile forward Alessandro Barcola. Those three signings, while diverse in profile, share a single purpose: to embed French talent at the heart of a club that is re‑building after the 2022 World Cup. Now the focus narrows to three rising stars. Defensive midfielder Manu Koné, praised for his composure and ball‑recovery, has been linked to a summer move. Maghnes Akliouche, a versatile full‑back with a reputation for attacking thrusts, is also on the shortlist. Finally, attacking midfielder Michael Olise, who blends flair with tactical discipline, completes the trio that could round out PSG’s French core. Club insiders say Al‑Khelaïfi treats each French passport like a Panini sticker, insisting that “the more we collect, the stronger the picture we can paint on the pitch.” Former French international pundit Jean‑Pierre Papin added, “If PSG can lock down Koné or Olise, they’ll have a backbone that matches the national team’s rhythm.” The French‑first policy also serves a financial purpose. By securing home‑grown talent on relatively modest contracts, PSG sidesteps the inflationary pressure that has driven recent marquee signings into the €100‑plus million range. This approach mirrors Bayern Munich’s long‑standing emphasis on domestic development, allowing Paris to allocate resources to strategic areas like a deep midfield bench and a world‑class goalkeeper. Tactically, Luis Enrique’s high‑press, possession‑heavy system thrives on players who understand the French footballing philosophy. Koné’s ability to shield the backline while transitioning quickly dovetails with PSG’s need for a reliable pivot. Akliouche’s wing‑back dynamism offers width without sacrificing defensive solidity, and Olise’s vision could link the midfield to the attacking trio of Mbappé and Neymar, adding a layer of creativity that has been missing in recent Champions League outings. The financial calculus extends beyond wages. PSG’s French‑first approach cushions the club against the Euro‑denominated price spikes that have plagued recent transfers. By targeting players still on their first professional contracts, Paris can negotiate fees in the low‑to‑mid‑tens of millions, a stark contrast to the €100‑plus deals for marquee names. This budget discipline frees capital for ancillary projects—stadium upgrades, data‑analytics hubs, and a revamped scouting network that can keep the pipeline flowing. Meanwhile, the French federation’s recent emphasis on club‑national synergy dovetails with PSG’s agenda. The Ligue 1’s new home‑grown quota, set to increase to 30 % of match‑day squads by 2026, makes a French‑heavy roster not just a tactical preference but a regulatory advantage. PSG’s ability to field a lineup that satisfies the quota while still competing at the highest European level could pressure rivals into similar recruitment strategies, reshaping the league’s talent landscape. The summer window opens on July 1, and PSG’s board will weigh these targets against competing offers from Premier League and Serie A rivals. Securing any of the three before the season starts could cement the club’s French Project and give Les Parisiens a tactical edge heading into the 2026 World Cup cycle. ## Why this matters Paris Saint‑Germain’s French Project is more than a branding exercise; it is a strategic hedge against the volatility of the transfer market. By concentrating on home‑grown talent, PSG reduces reliance on costly overseas signings and builds a squad that can gel quickly under Luis Enrique’s system. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, a core of players already accustomed to international pressure could give the club a competitive edge both on the domestic front and in Europe. It also signals to French fans that PSG intends to be a destination for the nation’s future stars, strengthening its brand locally and abroad. ## Frequently asked ### Which French players has PSG already signed? PSG’s recent French acquisitions include defender Lucas Hernández, midfielder Warren Zaïre‑Emery and forward Alessandro Barcola, each added to bolster the club’s domestic talent pool. ### Who are the next French targets on PSG’s radar? The club is circling defensive midfielder Manu Koné, full‑back Maghnes Akliouche and attacking midfielder Michael Olise as the next potential French signings. ### Why does the French Project matter for PSG? Focusing on French talent gives PSG a cohesive, locally‑sourced core that can adapt quickly to Luis Enrique’s tactics while reducing reliance on expensive overseas transfers, especially as the 2026 World Cup cycle looms. ## Sources & Citations - [Mercato : Quel joueur de l'équipe de France le PSG doit-il recruter ?](https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/mercato-quel-joueur-de-lequipe-de-france-le-psg-doitil-recruter-787151) — NewsData.io (2026-06-28) --- Cite: PSG’s French Hunt: Who Gets the Next Passport?. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/mercato-quel-joueur-de-l-e-quipe-de-france-le-psg-doit-il-1370440f