Paris Saint-Germain is set to loan Naoufel El-Hannach—a versatile 19-year-old defender—to Montpellier HSC once again for the upcoming season. Having already spent the last campaign on loan at the club (which was in Ligue 2 at the time), the young Parisian is expected to return to the Hérault region, according to reports by Loïc Tanzi for L’Équipe.
“Having already been loaned by PSG to Montpellier in Ligue 2 last season, Parisian defender Naoufel El-Hannach (19) is heading back to MHSC for the upcoming campaign.”
The report appears highly credible, as Loïc Tanzi presents the defender’s return to Montpellier as a done deal. The L’Équipe journalist is known for being well-informed regarding Paris Saint-Germain’s transfer activity. However, the move still requires official confirmation from both clubs before it can be considered fully finalized.
This second consecutive loan would offer Naoufel El-Hannach a degree of continuity. The young defender would return to an environment he already knows and could continue his development with more playing time in Ligue 2. Although initially expected to join the Parisian first-team squad for the start of pre-season, he is unlikely to complete the full preparation period under Luis Enrique.
This decision does not necessarily mean PSG has given up on the player. At 19, another full season at Montpellier could be more beneficial than playing a limited role in the Paris rotation. The club appears to be prioritizing a step-by-step development plan rather than permanently parting ways with an academy graduate.
