PSG makes headlines with reversed fixture and squad in focus

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is in the sports spotlight after the reversal of its opening Ligue 1 match, which will now be played in Rennes. The venue change, due to the poor condition of the pitch at the Parc des Princes, triggered a rush for tickets and sparked debates over the team's lineup.

The fixture reversal and a sold-out Roazhon Park

The opening matchday of the French Championship between PSG and Rennes has been reversed. Originally, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain were scheduled to kick off their season at the Parc des Princes this Sunday at 8:45 PM. However, the poor condition of the Parisian pitch led to the match being relocated to Rennes, keeping the same date and time.

The Stade Rennais ticket office opened this Thursday, and within a few hours, Roazhon Park was sold out for Sunday night's clash. The ticketing website recorded a peak of 60,000 connections during the afternoon. Around 29,000 fans are expected, including 16,000 season ticket holders who can download their digital passes starting Friday. Approximately one thousand Parisian supporters are also expected. Given the urgency, and considering the Breton club will host three matches in the first four rounds of the league, ticket prices were made more affordable than usual for matches against PSG.

Ferran Torres and Mika Godts in the Parisian squad

PSG's squad list for the match against Rennes also made headlines with the inclusion of new names. Ferran Torres, the Spanish world champion who joined PSG this summer from FC Barcelona, was called up by Luis Enrique for the trip to Rennes. He officially joined the club on August 15 and was not squad-listed for the Trophée des Champions, which the Parisians lost 1-0 at Bollaert.

Mika Godts, a Belgian international signed from Ajax Amsterdam on August 15, will also make his first appearance in the squad. He was also absent from the Trophée des Champions match.

Absences due to selection choices or transfer market

In addition to the new additions, the Parisian manager chose to leave Senny Mayulu out of the squad for this opening Ligue 1 matchday. Two other absent players are Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, both of whom are in negotiations for a potential departure from the club. As explained, they will not be involved in the team's matches until their situations are resolved. The transfer window in France closes on September 1.

The future of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye

The situation of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye is being closely monitored. Bradley Barcola, the former Lyon player and French international, has only received one offer from Liverpool so far, which was rejected by the Parisian board. However, verbal discussions continue, and a new proposal is expected. Ibrahim Mbaye, the Senegalese winger, could also have his future decided in parallel. Paris Saint-Germain is asking for around 70 million euros for him, a price Liverpool is currently unwilling to pay. Both players were present at PSG's training session on Saturday morning.

With information from L'Équipe, RMC Sport.