Willian Pacho, a 23-year-old defender from Ecuador, arrived at Paris Saint-Germain last summer from Eintracht Frankfurt. The €40 million transfer came as a surprise, as it was rumoured just as the deal was about to be completed. What’s more, the player was little-known in France. He spoke to AFP on the subject
” We had to keep a low profile.
“I knew I’d had a big season in Frankfurt and that there would be opportunities. My agents talked to me about the possibility of coming to Paris. I had a chat with the Parisian management, and I really liked the project. I told my family about it, but not many people knew about it, so we had to be discreet.
I had a thought for the people in Ecuador who support me a lot. I knew they’d be impressed. On the other hand, I knew that the Parisians didn’t know me very well, and that my transfer was something they weren’t expecting.”
It’s already interesting to see that the player is asked not to let anyone know that he’s approaching PSG. This underlines the Parisian club’s desire to move forward discreetly during the mercato. At a time when rumours are multiplying without the slightest confirmation, there’s good reason to be particularly wary of rumours. Even if they are sometimes true leaks.
The easiest thing to do is to be cautious, and wait for the facts. The same applies to judging a transfer. Many have criticized PSG for recruiting a player they didn’t know. Now, Pacho has to confirm this, but at the start of the season he’s established himself as one of Paris’ finest.
The Ecuadorian is taking full advantage of this opportunity to confirm his fine season in Frankfurt, and we hope he can continue to progress in Paris. With his usual determination.
