Randal Kolo Muani and Renato Sanches have returned to Paris Saint-Germain following loan spells of varying success at Tottenham and Panathinaikos. Solutions are being sought for the departure of the 27-year-old forward (under contract until 2028) and the 28-year-old midfielder (under contract until 2027). In the meantime, they have resumed training with the reserves (or “Espoirs” group), according to L’Équipe.
“The former Nantes player (27, under contract until 2028)—whose transfer to Juventus has not yet been finalized—has resumed training with the reserves. Midfielder Renato Sanches (28, under contract until 2027), who was on loan at Panathinaikos last year, has done the same.”
One shouldn’t jump to conclusions too quickly; this return to training outside the first-team squad could simply be a matter of scheduling. The professional squad has just come off two very demanding seasons, and many players even participated in the World Cup, which concludes this weekend. With the official squad return not scheduled until July 25, Kolo Muani and Sanches may have arrived early to build up match fitness—potentially with a view to a transfer.
However, it is quite possible that the two players will not join coach Luis Enrique’s squad for training sessions once the team returns. This raises the prospect of them being relegated to the “loft” (a group of players sidelined from the main squad)—a practice criticized and opposed by the UNFP (National Union of Professional Footballers). Such criticism usually arises when a player is pushed out in a surprising or unfair manner. In this case, the situation has been clear for some time; nevertheless, players are entitled to proper working conditions.
Let’s wait and see what happens next; at the very least, Kolo Muani and Sanches have a group to train with and are not alone in their preparations. Ideally, however, a transfer would be finalized soon. PSG is in talks with Juventus regarding the first player, but nothing is being discussed for the second.
