PSG looking to loan out El Chadaille Bitshiabu next season

Despite going professional with Paris Saint-Germain at just 16, it’s unlikely El Chadaille Bitshiabu saw himself starting on a regular basis for his formative club just a season later. But in the absences of Sergio Ramos and Presnel Kimpembe, the teenage defender has become a fixture in Christophe Galtier’s five-man backlines, featuring in league action but also making his Champions League debut in the last 16 defeat to Bayern Munich.

Understandably, not all of Bitshiabu’s 11 appearances so far have been plain sailing – he was notably given a hard time by Alexandre Lacazette in yesterday’s defeat to Lyon, while Galtier himself had singled out the centre-back for an error in the loss to the Bavarians last month.

Nevertheless, PSG have faith in the young defender, and believe that a loan next season is the next step in his development, according to Foot Mercato. Luís Campos and the rest of the management are looking to send the Frenchman out on a deal which would not include a permanent option, and several clubs have already shown an interest – although no specific names have filtered through as of yet. Bitshiabu would then be able to enjoy a level of playing time similar to this spring, with the imminent arrival of Milan Škriniar and Presnel Kimpembe’s return from injury blocking his path to the starting eleven next season.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin