For several months, Paris FC has been making headlines with its new major project. The arrival of the extremely wealthy Arnault family at the helm, with the expertise of Red Bull in parallel, and some big names like Jurgen Klopp or Mario Gomez gravitating around the Parisian club. Enough to bode well for Paris FC. And any good recruits in sight during this winter Mercato?
For those who were waiting for flashy reinforcements for this first Mercato Arnault version, you will have to come back. Indeed, Le Parisien reveals that Paris FC is preparing to formalize its first recruit of the winter transfer window under the era of new shareholders. This is the Belgian left-back Thibault De Smet, from Stade de Reims. Aged 26, the defender should be loaned with an option to buy, an agreement expected for this Tuesday.
Paris FC chooses Thibault De Smet
Despite the expectations of prestigious signings linked to the arrival of Arnault, the Parisian club therefore remains faithful to a measured strategy. Management favors experienced and versatile profiles, without giving in to requests deemed unreasonable. Thibault De Smet is judged to be perfectly suited to these criteria: with solid experience in Ligue 1, he can play as a left back or central defender. With only five appearances this season in Ligue 1, Thibault De Smet has however shown his potential recently, notably in matches against Saint-Étienne and Nice. Arriving in Reims in 2020 after experiences at Gantoise and Saint-Trond, he was loaned to Beerschot in 2021-2022 before establishing himself in the Champagne squad the following two seasons. Under contract with Reims until 2026, the Belgian will therefore strengthen an ambitious Paris FC, currently 2nd in Ligue 2, and which aims to play a key role in the race to climb. But therefore remain cautious in building your squad.
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To summarize
The arrival of the Arnault family arouses anticipation around Paris FC. The first recruit of the new project is also known. Rather than splurge, the Parisian club would have opted for a player experienced in Ligue 1.
