PSG’s renewal of Presnel Kimpembe’s contract displays loyalty, but not confidence | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain announced the renewal of Presnel Kimpembe (28) on Wednesday, however,  the France international’s contract was extended by just two seasons. The contents of PSG’s press release indicate why.

Kimpembe came through the ranks with Les Parisiens and has since gone on to make 236 appearances for the first team. PSG have often been criticised for their unwillingness to integrate their academy players into the first team. For many years, Kimpembe has been the exception to the rule, although that is now beginning to change, notably in the wake of Warren Zaïre-Emery’s breakthrough, and even more recently that of Ethan Mbappé.

A short renewal for a player entering his prime

It is therefore logical that PSG would renew Kimpembe’s contract, given that should they have failed to do so, the Frenchman would have been able to negotiate with other clubs in January, with his old deal expiring in June 2024. However, with his deal extended by just two seasons, there is a sign of pessimism.

Kimpembe hasn’t featured since February after undergoing surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon. Despite returning to first-team training, something was still not right. In the same press release that announced Kimpembe’s renewal, it was also announced that he would undergo further surgery in order to rectify the ongoing issue. As reported by RMC Sport, he is unlikely to feature this season.

Whilst PSG have shown loyalty to Kimpembe in extending his contract, renewing for just a two-season period, given that the centre-back is now in his prime years, evidences caution and a lack of confidence – perhaps – in Kimpembe recovering from his injury fully and rediscovering his best form.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle