Sporting Director, Leonardo has embarked on a mission to find a back-up for goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu after second-choice Nicolas Douchez announced his departure this summer. A former Inter Milan custodian is under the radar
“Once, late in the season, there will certainly be proposals that I will get and given that I will be free, we’ll see what awaits me. I will study what is best, whether to go or not,” were the words of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez.
The 31-year-old signed for PSG last summer from Stade Rennais. However, the signing happened before Leonardo was named the sporting director of the club. Upon his arrival, the Brazilian brought in Salvatore Sirigu from US Citta di Palermo.
Since his arrival, the Italian has kept Douchez out of the starting XI and things are not going to change anytime soon. Douchez’s only hope of first-team action was through the Europa League. Unfortunately, PSG were eliminated from the group stages thus,
ended Douchez’s chances.
Understandably, the Frenchman desperately wants out and has expressed his desire to leave the club when the current campaign ends. Warming the bench for someone is something the former Stade Rennais man is not accustomed to and Leonardo would be hard-pressed
to hold onto him.
Leonardo has already started his search for Sirigu’s backup and reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the former AC Milan manager is now keeping tabs on another Italian goalkeeper, Emiliano Viviano. The 26-year-old is currently under contract at
Italian Serie A side Palermo whom he joined from Inter Milan this January.
The Italy international is aware of PSG’s interest in him and while talking to the media, gave his view on being Sirigu’s backup.
“No, I play in Palermo and I am very happy. I’m happy for Sirigu: between us, there is a healthy rivalry and also a great friendship. I’m not envious at all.”
Killing any hint of suspense, Viviano has seemingly ruled out a move to the Ligue 1 rich-boys and is concentrating on establishing himself at Palermo.
However, Leonardo will certainly not end his pursuit for a goalkeeper and the summer transfer window can give a better idea of who will replace an unhappy Douchez.