Michut ‘could make his Cats move permanent’
THE door is open for Edouard Michut to make a permanent move to Sunderland this summer, according to a PSG expert.
The arrival of the young midfielder took the red and white faithful by surprise in the summer, the 19-year-old having made eight appearances for the Ligue 1 champions.
Michut burst on to the scene in 2016 and was even dubbed the next Marco Verratti by sections of the French media with Manchester City, Juventus and Barcelona all tracking him.
He worked his way up to the firstteam, making eight appearances in all competitions and notching an assist for Thilo Kehrer’s equaliser against Lyon in January earlier this year.
In doing so, he became the youngest player to register an assist since Kylian Mbappe at 18 years and 311 days.
Michut was highly rated by Mauricio Pochettino and became a Ligue 1 champion, having made five appearances.
However, with the young French midfielder looking for more game time, his relationship with PSG soured.
According to reports, Michut did not turn up to a meeting with PSG’s new football advisor Luis Campos where he was going to discuss his future.
He was then left out of first-team proceedings this summer and was warned about his behaviour.
The Chronicle spoke with Luca Demange of CulturePSG for an insight into what the future might hold for Michut and how the move came about.
Demange said: “Michut’s departure was not a surprise.
“He had complained about his lack of playing time at PSG and was looking for a new club.
“To see him leave on loan in a league as complicated as Championship surprised me.
“A few months before, Sevilla had appeared as a possible team for him so to see him go to Sunderland was somewhat surprising.”
He added: “Is there a long-term plan for him at PSG? Honestly, no.
“There is a lot of competition and it seems PSG are not particularly determined to do everything possible to integrate him into the first team. At the moment, PSG are more open to a player like Warren ZaireEmery, also a midfielder and seen as one of the most promising players coming out of the academy.”
Demange was asked how Muchut’s relationship at PSG broke down.
He said: “Yes, it was reported Michut did not show up for a first meeting in July.
“He finally met with Luis Campos the next day and the Portuguese reproached him for his behaviour by making him sign a call-up.
“The differences between the club and the player’s entourage began a few weeks earlier when his agent publicly confided Michut’s desire to leave, pointing the finger at PSG’s treatment.
“I think there is option for Sunderland to buy him at EUR5m.
“This is a significant amount for a club like Sunderland. We have to see if the Black Cats’ leaders see in him a great potential to develop.
“He is a young player who needs to acclimatize to his new environment.
“His debut in England is not easy. Perhaps Sunderland will not have the head and patience to make a bet on the future.”
Demange went on: “Edouard is an exciting kid. He has many qualities.
“From his first appearances the media began to make a connection with Verratti because of his similarities with the ball and his low centre of gravity.
“Now he needs to find a club where he can play regularly to continue his progression. I think that’s the most important thing for him.”