Lucas Chevalier Signs For Paris Saint-Germain To Fulfil Childhood Dream

Paris Saint-Germain have signed goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille. The 23-year-old joins the French champions on a contract until 2030. Chevalier described the move as his lifelong dream—to play in Paris.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Paris Saint-Germain made Chevalier their new number one after agreeing on a transfer fee of more than €40 million, including potential bonuses. The France international is competing with Gianluigi Donnarumma and has signed a five-year contract after passing his medical. Chevalier enjoyed a stellar season with Lille, keeping 12 clean sheets, finishing the season with 96 saves and conceding only 36. Lille finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season with 60 points and secured Europa League qualification, while PSG won the league with 89 points and collected their first-ever Champions League trophy.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Blues are going through a squad transition, with Chevalier’s arrival marking a significant change in terms of personnel. Head coach Luis Enrique wants a goalkeeper with a significantly improved distribution of the ball, particularly as Donnarumma has earned a reputation for being error-prone. The PSG spell of the Italian international is reaching its end amid reported disagreements over salary structure; Donnarumma was pushing for a pay raise. Meanwhile, Chevalier, who is currently the France national team’s number two, is expected to grow into a more significant role for both club and country in the coming years.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Chevalier will have to settle quickly, with PSG’s next game is the European Supercup against Europa League winners Tottenham, before opening the Ligue 1 against Nantes. Nantes, who finished 13th last season, only three points above from relegation, will be eyeing an upset of their own. Donnarumma, meanwhile, could join Chelsea, with reports increasingly linking him to Manchester United and Inter Milan as well. PSG will likely hold a decent gap over the other title contenders, and will look to build on their lead with Chevalier emerging as the new face of the club.