Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Espanyol, La Liga, Ligue 1
Marcus Chan
Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Espanyol, La Liga, Ligue 1
Paris Saint Germain owners want to buy La Liga club Espanyol in order to hurt Barcelona.
According to Spanish news outlet, SPORT, PSG are planning to buy Espanyol and turn them into a team that can harm Barcelona and overshadow the Camp Nou club.
It has been reported that there are growing tensions between the two of the biggest clubs in world football, which started back in 2017 when the Parc des Princes club bought Brazilian star Neymar.
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The free transfer of Lionel Messi from Barcelona to PSG did not improve the already straining relationship between the two clubs.
In the summer, PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi was constantly aiming digs towards the La Liga giant’s apparent financial issues. He questioned whether the club’s summer activities were legal.
Al Khelaifi said to Politico: “Is it fair? No, it’s not fair. Is it legal? I’m not sure. UEFA, of course, has its own regulations. I’m sure they’re going to look at everything.”
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Now, there are rumours circulating that PSG owners are eyeing Barcelona’s local rivals Espanyol.
PSG owner, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is the Emir of Qatar wants to buy Espanyol in order to build a team that overshadows the Blaugrana.
Currently, Espanyol are owned by Chinese toy company Rastar Group. However, it is believed that the club is being ran poorly and PSG feel this is the perfect opportunity to persuade the owners to sell.
Al Khelaifi has already been told by the PSG bosses to open negotiations with the Spanish club regarding the possibility of a takeover.
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Speculations started back in June this year but the report now states that a deal could be negotiated in the coming months as both clubs are ready to start talks.
Espanyol are currently 17th in the La Liga table and are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
In the 22/23 season, they have so far managed one win, one draw and four defeats.
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In their ranks, they have former Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite and ex Premier League striker Joselu.