Ensemble PSG Podcast

The big summer tournaments come to a close on Sunday, and so did a grueling process regarding the broadcast rights for Ligue 1.

On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Marc Damon to discuss the latest developments regarding the Ligue 1 broadcast rights, what Paris Saint-Germain should do regarding Xavi Simons, and we answer questions from listeners.

Up first, it's all about the deal that was struck regarding domestic TV rights for Ligue 1. According to reports, beIN Sports and DAZN will pay €500 million to broadcast matches in France for at least the next two seasons. We discuss what this means for Ligue 1 clubs, the league as a whole, and whether PSG would ever leave the top flight to join the rumored European Super League.

With the domestic deal finally closing, we turn our focus to international rights. How will fans abroad watch PSG this season? With a month to go until the Ligue 1 season kicks off, we discuss potential broadcasters, including Apple TV, DAZN, Netflix, and Max. Which platform would give PSG and Ligue 1 the most attention, and what other marketing opportunities could be presented?

Next, we discuss the latest report, which shows that the relationship between PSG and Simons is 99% over, following a meeting between the player and Luis Enrique. We debate how the club should handle the player who doesn't want to continue at the club but has become a transfer target for many top clubs following the UEFA European Championship.

We wrap up the show by answering questions sent in by listeners, including who should lead PSG's attack, depth on the wings, and whether Senny Mayulu and Cher Ndour will go out on loan this season.

As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe today to access premium PSG content.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit psgtalk.substack.com.

On this episode, Ed is joined by Jonathan Johnson of CBS Sports to discuss the latest players linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, the impact of the ongoing negotiations for Ligue 1 broadcast rights, and if Kylian Mbappé's reputation has taken a hit after a disappointing UEFA European Championship.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit psgtalk.substack.com.

On this episode, Ed is joined by Robin Bairner, chief editor of Football Transfers, to discuss the latest players linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, controversial comments about Kylian Mbappé's tenure at PSG, and more.

Summer has officially arrived, and so has a fresh batch of transfer rumors to get Paris Saint-Germain supporters excited for next season.

On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Jonathan Johnson from CBS Sports to discuss the latest PSG transfer rumors, and we also get an update on Ligue 1 broadcast rights.

First, we get to the breaking news that Manchester United has reportedly made an initial offer for midfielder Manuel Ugarte. I get Johnson's thoughts on why PSG would be ready to move on from Ugarte after one season and whether he would be a good fit at Manchester United and other clubs who may be interested in the Uruguay international.

Next, we discuss whether PSG should move on from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and instead use Luis Enrique's influence to potentially persuade Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams to come to the Parc des Princes.

I also asked Johnson who would be a better fit for PSG: Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais or Stade Rennais youngster Désiré Doué.

We conclude with the latest on Xavi Simons and what might be keeping him from returning to PSG, under-the-radar players at the UEFA European Championship and Copa América who could be a good fit at PSG, and the potential impact on Ligue 1 teams if a broadcast deal is not agreed upon soon.

As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

The Ligue 1 transfer window is officially open, and Paris Saint-Germain have already signed their backup goalkeeper. What else could be in store for the French champions as they rebuild for next season and look to replace Kylian Mbappé?

On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Robin Bairner, chief editor of Football Transfers and columnist for PSG Talk Extra Time. We discuss the top players linked with a move to PSG, who might be leaving, and a potential breakout star for the France national team.

Up first, we discuss the potential arrival of Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and whether another club could swoop in ahead of PSG to win his signature. It's been made public that the player wants to leave to play in the UEFA Champions League, but the Serie A club has stated they have no intention of letting the Georgia international leave.

Bairner shares his thoughts on why Manchester City would be willing to part ways with Julián Álvarez and whether PSG could face competition from another Premier League club in their efforts to sign the attacker.

At 19 years old, João Neves is one of the most talented teenagers in world football. Benfica appear ready to let him leave, but they want a transfer fee north of €100 million. Will the Portugal international leave Benfica and could PSG potentially swap players to lower the transfer fee?

Leny Yoro is PSG's preferred center-back signing, but if he leaves Lille OSC for Real Madrid instead, who should PSG target? I ask Bairner about Kevin Danso and other defenders who could be a good fit at the Parc des Princes.

The show concludes with Bairner sharing whether he thinks Bradley Barcola or Randal Kolo Muani could step up for France should Mbappé miss time due to a broken nose. We also get a transfer prediction featuring a player who is not currently linked with PSG but should be.

As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Kylian Mbappé is busy preparing for the UEFA European Championship with France, but that didn't keep him from revealing some troubling revelations about Paris Saint-Germain.

On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Jonathan Johnson from CBS Sports to react to Mbappé's comments about his experience at PSG, the latest on Xavi Simons, the latest transfer rumors, and I get his prediction on who will win the Euros this summer.

Up first, we dive into the Mbappé situation where earlier this week, he said that at the start of the season, he was told in a violent manner that he would not be playing for PSG. It wasn't until Luis Campos and Luis Enrique intervened that he was able to play. We react to Mbappé's press conference and why there is bad blood between the former PSG superstar and Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

I also asked Johnson whether he thinks Mbappé colluded with Real Madrid to leave on a free transfer and whether the Frenchman will be viewed negatively for chasing a trophy that he couldn't win at PSG.

We transition away from Mbappé to another player causing drama for PSG. Xavi Simons was expected to return to France following his loan at RB Leipzig, but his future remains in question, with a decision likely coming after the Euros. I asked Johnson his thoughts on where he sees the Netherlands international playing next season.

The show concludes with Johnson reacting to the latest transfer news that PSG is interested in signing Julián Álvarez from Manchester City and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. I also get his pick to win the Euros and which PSG player will have a breakout performance.

As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Paris Saint-Germain wrapped up their season with a Coupe de France victory but now must focus on convincing Xavi Simons to return to the French capital following his loan at RB Leipzig.

On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Justin from RBL Talk Podcast to discuss Simons and his standout season in Germany. We also dive into the latest rumors involving the Netherlands international and other players at Leipzig who could make the move to PSG this summer.

First, we discuss Simons's season at Leipzig, where he scored 10 goals and recorded 15 assists in all competitions. How important was he in Marco Rose's system, and what is his best position?

Next, we get into the latest rumors involving Simons. According to reports, the 21-year-old doesn't want to return to PSG following his loan and would prefer a loan to FC Barcelona, back to Leipzig, or another club. Justin shares his thoughts on the drama and predicts where Simons is likely to play next season.

Benjamin Šeško is another Leipzig player who has recently been linked with a move to PSG. We discuss whether the prolific striker could be on the move this summer and if Leipzig and PSG could work out a deal involving both Šeško and Simons.

We wrap up the show with Justin sharing other hidden gems at Leipzig who could be on PSG's transfer radar and his thoughts on the UEFA Champions League final.

As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Paris Saint-Germain capped off the 2023-24 season with a trophy celebration but also bid farewell to arguably the greatest player to ever wear the jersey.

On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to break down PSG's 2-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais in the Coupe de France final. We also look ahead to what's needed for PSG to take the next step, reflect on Kylian Mbappé's final match, and discuss our transfer wish list.

First, we dive into what we liked in PSG's win over Lyon. Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring, and Fabian Ruiz doubled the lead in the first half. Surprisingly, both goals came off corners, which is something we haven't seen much this season. Mbappé and Bradley Barcola created plenty of chances, and the full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes joined the attack and were dangerous all match. Vitinha continued his stellar play, and we wonder if he's better than prime Marco Verratti.

Of course, there were negatives as well. From Fox Sports' lack of promotion leading up to the match to the PSG and Lyon Ultras clashing before kickoff to the poor play from PSG's center-backs off of set pieces, we go into detail about what needs to be fixed going into next season.

PSG closed out the season with a domestic sweep, having won the Trophée des Champions, Coupe de France, and Ligue 1. They also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in Luis Enrique's first season in charge. We discuss the accomplishments and what it will take for PSG to take the next step under Luis Enrique.

We then hand out some awards, including the most improved player of the season, the most disappointing signing, and the goal of the season. We also talk about our transfer wish list and Dembélé's performance this season, and we conclude with talking about Mbappé's final send-off.

As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

It's a good thing there were fireworks after the match to celebrate Paris Saint-Germain's 12th Ligue 1 title because during Kylian Mbappé's final home match against Toulouse FC, there was very little to celebrate.

On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Marc Damon to discuss Mbappé's announcement regarding his future and why his legacy at PSG is so complicated.

Up first, we discuss Mbappé's rehearsed farewell video that was posted to his social media channels last Friday. We discuss the timing of the video's release and the fact he didn't mention PSG's president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

Then, we discuss the positives regarding Mbappé's legacy at PSG, but also some of the negatives, and that contrast is likely what caused some of the supporters at the match on Sunday to whistle when his name was announced. There's no question Mbappé has the best statistics at PSG and may be the best player in club history. However, he failed to deliver a UEFA Champions League title, and having his heart set on joining Real Madrid one day may have played a role in that.

We highlight Mbappé's potential role in his transfer rumors over the years and how he may have traded being loved unconditionally at PSG for the level of control he desired to get to where he always wanted to go.

The show concludes with us talking about PSG's future and why the goal has to be to build the best sporting project possible around Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, and PSG's other rising stars. If the club can do that, they may just win a Champions League title before Mbappé.

As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

It's been a difficult week for Paris Saint-Germain supporters. The club came up short of the UEFA Champions League final, and a superstar for the future may not want to rejoin the club.

On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Zacha from the PSG Talk Discord server to discuss the 1-0 loss to Dortmund. We also look ahead to PSG's future and discuss the latest Xavi Simons news.

Note: This episode was recorded before Kylian Mbappé announced that he would be leaving PSG at the end of the season.

Up first is the result against Dortmund. It was a frustrating night at the Parc des Princes. There was so much hope and belief that the club could overturn the one-goal loss in the first leg, but it wasn't meant to be. PSG recorded 30 shots, four of which hit the goal post, and failed to capitalize on numerous chances. We discuss whether there was anything Luis Enrique could have done and whether Kylian Mbappé's off-the-pitch drama impacted him in the tie.

We then look forward to how PSG can improve ahead of next season. Mbappé's departure means PSG will have to find attacking options to replace his offensive output of 40 goals per season. There's also a need for a starting midfielder and PSG's defense needs significant strengthening with the knee injury to Lucas Hernández that will keep him out for six or more months.

The show concludes with a discussion about Xavi Simons, who is reportedly not interested in returning to PSG once his loan at RB Leipzig expires. The 21-year-old is under contract with PSG until 2027, and if he's transferred to another club before 2025, PSV Eindhoven will receive a significant portion. It's a difficult situation for PSG to navigate and we discuss the likely outcomes.

As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.