Alessandro Circati, a 22-year-old defender for Parma (under contract until 2029) and the Australian national team, has been linked to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the transfer window. PSG Inside Actus reported on Thursday that he is one of the targets in a key initiative: finding a competitor—or at least a high-quality backup—for Achraf Hakimi (the 27-year-old right-back).
“The goal is clear: to provide genuine competition for Achraf Hakimi while allowing the Moroccan international some breathing room during a season that promises to be particularly demanding.
Parisian officials are evaluating several profiles that meet Luis Enrique’s criteria: a reliable player capable of making an immediate impact and accepting a rotation role within a highly competitive squad.
For now, only Alessandro Circati’s name has been revealed, but it is highly likely that other names are also being considered.”
Signing another right-back is certainly a possibility, though the club remains cautious about the idea—especially given how heavily the media speculated on it last summer, ultimately to no avail. Since then, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Senny Mayulu (both 20-year-old midfielders) have proven to be solid alternatives. This is particularly true of the former, who has delivered outstanding Champions League performances in that position.
It is also a way to provide them with playing time amidst a very well-stocked midfield. Signing a right-back could potentially block the path for these two top-tier academy graduates—not to mention other promising youngsters, such as the highly rated David Boly (17).
That said, the club might still target a new signing. Any such move would be part of a specific plan to foster the fierce competition Coach Luis Enrique desires. For the moment, however, it is far from a certainty.
