Luis Enrique has changed the way that Paris Saint-Germain approach transfers, with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi explaining how they now conduct business under the Spanish manager
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has explained the rule Luis Enrique has enforced since joining the club that helped them win the Champions League. PSG claimed their maiden title in the competition by destroying Inter Milan 5-0 on May 31 – and a great deal of the credit went to manager Enrique.
The French giants had faltered in Europe’s premier club competition in previous years, but triumphed with a team packed full of young guns. Their new look under Enrique was highlighted by Desire Doue – the 20-year-old attacker who scored twice in the final.
He was signed from Rennes for €50million (£42m) in August 2024 to form a part of the young spine of Enrique’s side. PSG also signed Joao Neves (19), William Pacho (22) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24) during the 2024/25 season, all of whom started the thrashing of Inter.
Al-Khelaifi says that focus on youth will continue while Enrique remains the manager. "He is the best coach to develop young players,” he told Qatari broadcaster Al-Kass. “He likes young players. For example, buying a 28 or 27-year-old player is impossible for him, forbidden, he absolutely does not want it.
“He likes all players who are 21 or 22 years old. Have you noticed the latest players we have recruited? The oldest is 23 or 24, no more.
"Luis Enrique likes a fighting spirit, he likes a player who gives his all, who runs a lot on the pitch, who is generous in his effort. How do we work? [Sporting director] Luis Campos has to present the player to the coach. The coach has to study how he plays, his value, his price and other aspects.
“There has to be an agreement, an agreement between everyone, even if each has their role. For everything that concerns scouting, it is Luis Enrique who has to approve the player. He has to be convinced that the player fits into his future project. Then, we, the management, also give our approval.”
Al-Khelaifi also used the interview to fire shots at former PSG striker Kylian Mbappe, who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer, only to end his debut season trophyless. PSG won the treble without him, with Enrique claiming the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Champions League to give his president ammunition.
"It's easier to score goals in La Liga than in Ligue 1," Al-Khelaifi said. "Luis Enrique proudly represented Ligue 1 and defended it against Premier League fans who called it the Farmers' League.
"We ended up beating Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in the Champions League this season. Nobody thought we would win the title. We approached the Champions League step by step.”