In the history of French football, rarely has a newly promoted club displayed ambitions similar to Paris FC’s. Few, if any, have had the means to achieve them. Acquired at the end of 2024 by the Arnault family, via the Apache Sport group, with the backing of Red Bull, the club from the French capital quickly made a name for themselves.
On the pitch, first of all, where they managed to secure their first promotion to Ligue 1 since the 1978-79 season. On the transfer market, then, where PFC spent more than €57 million, more than 13 of their 18 competitors. A staggering sum compared to the combined total of just €8 million spent by Lorient and Metz, the two other clubs promoted to the top flight this season.
Today, with a third of the championship now played, Paris FC lie in 11th place in the table with 14 points, five ahead of the relegation play-off spot. While this position is by no means alarming, it still seems to leave the club’s management with some regrets, despite their primary objective of staying in Ligue 1 at the end of the season.
An overly pronounced ‘Kebbal-dependence’
Despite the 18 goals already scored by Les Parisiens so far this season, the performance of some of their forwards has been disappointing. In particular, their new signings. Moses Simon and Willem Geubbels, bought for €7m and €9m respectively, have only scored four goals between them. Jonathan Ikone, who arrived from Fiorentina but is struggling for form, is still looking for his first goal in his new colours.
Much of Paris FC’s offensive success therefore rests on Ilan Kebbal, who has been with the club for two and a half years and has already scored five goals — and made four assists — this season. A level of form that is as impressive as it is puzzling.
Having recently become an Algerian international, what will happen if Kebbal is forced to out of action during the Africa Cup of Nations? What if he gets injured or his form declines?
A question that will inevitably force the recruitment team to consider signing an additional offensive player this winter. Several weeks ago, the idea of signing a wild card player (a free agent with a French Football Federation licence for the current season) to bolster the attack had already crossed the minds of the Parisian management. A move that was ultimately abandoned, but one that proves that the club was already aware of one of the potential weaknesses of the squad.
So, with the winter transfer window approaching, Marco Neppe, who has held numerous positions at Bayern Munich and was recently appointed sporting director, and his teams have already set to work to try to fill the gap.
The Stassin option reactivated?
Among the names most frequently mentioned as potential future signings for the Parisian club is Lucas Stassin. Already close to agreeing terms with Paris FC last summer, the young Belgian striker from AS Saint- Etienne ultimately didn’t leave Forez, as his club’s officials demanded nearly €42 million to agree to his transfer. A sum deemed far too high by PFC bosses, who did not want to splurge, especially in a sector already packed with players.
But as reported by L’Equipe, new discussions between the various parties could take place in the coming weeks. Stassin, who has already scored four goals and provided three assists in 12 Ligue 2 games this season, would be more than open to a move.
The 20-year-old forward, who dreams of playing in the 2026 World Cup with Belgium, would find greater exposure at Paris FC, a ‘trendy’ club playing in the top division, than at ASSE. A string of good performances could mean he gets called up to the Diables Rouges first team, with Stassin currently playing for the under-21s.
That would be a big step towards the United States and, who knows, maybe even the chance to live his American dream.
