RMC: PSG Coach Enrique and Sporting Director Campos Hold Talks with Lille Defender Journo

On June 17, according to RMC, Paris Saint-Germain’s manager Enrique and sporting director Campos have held discussions with 18-year-old Lille central defender Journo, who is on the verge of joining the Parisian club.

Journo has been a key target for PSG’s recruitment for a full season. While they signed Balcora from Lyon last summer, talks about Journo were already underway. After an impressive campaign with Lille, PSG has made his signing a priority.

It’s reported that Enrique and Campos presented Journo and his team with a detailed development plan at the club, highlighting the benefits a move to Paris Saint-Germain would bring to his career. Crucially, joining PSG would significantly facilitate Journo’s pathway into the French national team, an especially attractive prospect given his exclusion from Didier Deschamps’ squad for the 2024 European Championship.

However, PSG isn’t the only club vying for Journo’s signature; Real Madrid, the La Liga and Champions League holders, remain at the forefront of the race. Madrid aims to reinforce its defense this summer, especially with Nacho’s departure and injury concerns surrounding Alaba and Militao. But Journo must consider how much playing time he would get at the current Real Madrid squad.

Lille values Journo around €50 million, and besides Real Madrid and PSG, Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United are also closely monitoring the young center-back’s situation. Although Journo’s next destination remains unclear, his departure from Lille this summer is now a certainty. Lille President LoicRémy recently confirmed at a press conference announcing new coach Bruno Genesio’s arrival: “We have given permission for two players to leave: Lenny (Journo) and Jonathan (David).”