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Published on Oct 7, 2024 at 11:00 par
Day Dayan
During Paris Saint-Germain’s iconic transfer window in 2017, a legendary Italian Serie A defender could also have signed in France.
The Paris Saint-Germain has always had big ambitions. Since the arrival of the Qataris in the French capital, the Parisian club has taken on a whole new dimension. From market to marketPSG quickly established itself as the best team in France and one of the best clubs in Europe. With encouraging results in the Champions League and clear domination in Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain has established itself as a football benchmark. During the 2017 transfer window, the club was looking to take it to the next level.
If PSG is experiencing a revival today, this is because the old club cycle has now passed. This cycle began in 2017 with the purchase of renowned players: Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. The arrival of these two players in the summer of 2017, in particular that of the Brazilian considered one of the three best players in the world at the time, propelled the club into a new dimension. However, if this transfer window left an impression on many supporters, it could have been even more significant. Indeed, the former Juventus defender, Leonardo Bonuccirevealed that the Parisian club had sought to recruit him in 2017.
“When I decided to leave Juventus in 2017, Manchester City and PSG wanted me. They also sent a financial proposal but… I wanted to stay in Italy and decided to join AC Milan.”
Leonardo Bonucci, the missing piece of PSG?
Leonardo Bonucci is undoubtedly one of the best defenders of the 2010s. To the Juventushe was one of the defensive pillars alongside Chiellini and Barzagli. However, in 2017, this defensive rock decided to leave the Turin club. PSG, just like Manchester Citywas interested. However, it was in Italy that he remained, joining a rival club, AC Milan.
At Paris Saint-Germain, we have always sought to recruit a defender capable of supporting Thiago Silva. With Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe in support, the Parisian club wanted to considerably strengthen its defensive sector. The arrival of Leonardo Bonucci would have been a “game changer” for PSG. Unfortunately for Parisians, it was in Italy that he chose to stay.
