Leandro Paredes at Paris Saint‑Germain: A Midfield Maestro’s New Chapter
Leandro Paredes, the Argentine deep‑lying playmaker, officially joined Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2024. The transfer marked a pivotal moment for both the player and the French giants, who were looking to reinforce their midfield with a versatile talent capable of dictating tempo, breaking lines and contributing defensively. This article explores Paredes’ career trajectory, his role at PSG, and what fans can expect from the midfielder in the upcoming seasons.
Career Overview Before PSG
Born on June 29 1994 in San Justo, Argentina, Paredes began his professional journey at Boca Juniors, where he debuted at 17. After two seasons, he moved to Italy’s AS Roma, gaining valuable Serie A experience. A loan spell at Juventus in 2018‑19 showcased his adaptability, as he helped the club secure a Serie A title. In 2020, Paredes signed with Paris Saint‑Germain on a loan that later became permanent, before his 2024 return to the French capital after a stint at Zenit Saint‑Petersburg.
Why PSG Pursued Paredes Again
PSG’s decision to re‑sign Paredes was driven by several strategic factors:
- Positional flexibility – capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, a box‑to‑box engine, or a deep‑lying playmaker.
- Ball retention – his high pass‑completion rate (over 90 % in his last season with Zenit) aligns with PSG’s possession‑based approach.
- Defensive work rate – averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game, he adds balance to a star‑studded attack.
- Experience in Europe’s top leagues – having competed in Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Russian Premier League, he brings a seasoned perspective to the squad.
Playing Style: The Five‑Senses Midfielder
Described by analysts as a “five‑senses” midfielder, Paredes reads the game with a blend of vision, anticipation and tactical awareness. He uses his “sense of space” to find passing lanes, his “sense of timing” to arrive late in the box, and his “sense of balance” to maintain composure under pressure. This holistic approach makes him a natural fit for PSG’s fluid attacking patterns.
Immediate Impact at PSG
In his first ten Ligue 1 appearances of the 2024‑25