Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit of Japan international Zyon Suzuki could create significant unrest within the squad before the new season begins, according to reports in France and Spain.
The French champions have stepped up their activity in the transfer market in recent days, with an 18-year-old goalkeeper, Alessandro Longoni, already announced as a new signing. They are also working to complete other deals which have reached an advanced stage, including moves for Ajax midfielder Mika Godts and Barcelona forward Ferran Torres.
Manager Luis Enrique is seeking to assemble a squad capable of repeating the successes of last season. However, the club’s latest move for a goalkeeper could unsettle the existing pecking order at Paris Saint-Germain.
The club are reportedly making an increased effort to sign 23-year-old Parma goalkeeper Zyon Suzuki, despite already having a number of options in the position. Suzuki, who represents Japan internationally, is viewed as a more immediate addition than Longoni, whose arrival has been presented as an investment for the future.
According to Mundo Deportivo, a successful move for Suzuki would leave Lucas Chevalier extremely unhappy. Chevalier is currently the back-up goalkeeper at Paris Saint-Germain behind Matvei Safonov, who is 27.
The potential arrival of Suzuki would represent a more direct challenge to Chevalier than the signing of Longoni. The younger goalkeeper is regarded as a long-term prospect, while Suzuki’s greater experience could place him in contention for a first-team role.
Chevalier had previously moved ahead of Safonov in the Paris Saint-Germain hierarchy, but the French goalkeeper has since lost his starting position to the Russian. That change has already had international consequences, with Chevalier missing out on this summer’s World Cup.
Suzuki, meanwhile, made a strong impression at the tournament, further increasing his profile and potentially strengthening his case for a move to one of Europe’s leading clubs.
The situation has prompted concern that Paris Saint-Germain could soon face a dispute over the goalkeeping position. L’Equipe says disagreements surrounding the role may emerge at the club in the coming days, raising the prospect of considerable disorder before the campaign gets under way.
Longoni’s signing alone was unlikely to threaten Chevalier’s position immediately, given the teenager’s status as a player for the future. Suzuki’s possible arrival would be different, however, because it could bring another experienced goalkeeper into direct competition with both Chevalier and Safonov.
Paris Saint-Germain’s transfer activity is therefore creating uncertainty in a position which appeared to have a clearer structure. With the new season approaching, the club must now manage the consequences of its pursuit of Suzuki while continuing its wider recruitment plans.
