Paris Saint-Germain poised for long-term success with key strategic shift

Paris Saint-Germain is embracing a new philosophy, dramatically departing from their previous Galacticos-style approach. Gone are the days of assembling superteams led by Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi. 

Instead, PSG focuses on younger players who can develop together, fostering a more cohesive squad built for sustained success. 

A shift in strategy

PSG’s ownership, led by Qatar Sports Investments, has long prioritized marquee signings to elevate the club’s global profile. While this approach brought commercial success, it often failed to deliver the ultimate prize — the UEFA Champions League trophy. Now, the club is pivoting toward a model emphasizing youth development, long-term stability and a clear footballing identity.  

Under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, PSG has begun investing in young talent, moving away from high-profile, short-term fixes. The arrival of players like Joao Neves, Bradley Barcola and Kang-in Lee represents a conscious effort to build a deep team with a sustainable core. These signings complement the club’s academy graduates, who are now given more opportunities to shine.  

One of the biggest criticisms of PSG in the past was their reluctance to dominate the French market in the way Bayern Munich does in Germany. Instead of securing the best young talent within Ligue 1, they looked abroad for superstar names. That appears to be changing.  

The signings of Barcola from Lyon and Desire Doue from Rennes highlight the kind of recruitment PSG should have been doing for years — taking the best-emerging talent from within Ligue 1 and developing them into elite players. This approach strengthens PSG while weakening their domestic rivals, mirroring Bayern’s long-standing strategy in the Bundesliga.  

However, PSG is also being selective when looking beyond France. The recent signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli for around €80 million is a prime example of a smart, calculated move. At 24, the Georgian winger already has Champions League experience and is one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents. Crucially, he is not just a short-term solution but a player who fits into the club’s long-term vision.

Investment in development and stability

Beyond transfers, PSG has poured significant resources into youth development. Additionally, the club has reintroduced a reserve team to ensure a smoother transition from the academy to the first team, something they previously neglected.  

Rather than relying on individual brilliance, PSG is building a squad with tactical cohesion and longevity. With Barcola, Doue and Kvaratskhelia in the attacking ranks and Neves and academy graduate Warren Zaïre-Emery in midfield, the club is creating a foundation that can compete at the highest level for years.  

This strategic shift positions PSG for sustained success. By nurturing young players, fostering team chemistry and investing in long-term growth, the club is setting itself up to dominate domestically and in Europe — not through star power alone, but through a well-structured and balanced squad.