SC Braga Bag Exciting Talent From Paris Saint Germain

SC Braga has confirmed the permanent signing of Ismaël Gharbi from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The deal, which incurs no direct transfer fee, sees the two clubs share the player’s rights equally, each holding 50%. Gharbi, a Spanish U-20 international, has committed to a five-year contract with Braga, which includes a release clause set at €35 million (£29.5 million).

Gharbi joined PSG in 2016 after joining from Paris FC. He progressed through the ranks from the U17s to the U19s, making his first-team debut in August 2021 during the Champions Trophy against Lille in Tel Aviv. The attacking midfielder went on to make his Ligue 1 debut later that season, appearing against Troyes and contributing to PSG’s 2022 French championship title.

During the 2022-2023 season, Gharbi regularly trained with PSG’s first team and participated in six top-flight matches, adding another Ligue 1 title to his accolades. In total, he made 12 appearances across all competitions for PSG.

In the 2023-2024 season, Gharbi was loaned to FC Stade Lausanne Ouchy in Switzerland, where he thrived, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 31 matches. His impressive performances have marked him as one of the most promising talents of his generation.

Ismaël Gharbi will wear the number 20 shirt for Os Arcebispos, joining the squad under coach Carlos Carvalhal’s leadership. They’ve started the 24/25 season well, with two wins and a draw from their opening three fixtures. They also qualified for the group stages of the Europa League, which sees them face Lazio, Roma, Olympiacos and Union SG, among others.

Site Opinion

This could be a huge signing for Braga, which is looking for its first Portuguese title. They finished fourth last season, winning Taça da Liga, but they are hoping for the final piece of the jigsaw to finally deliver that elusive piece of silverware.

Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal is doing a fine job of assembling a squad at Estádio Municipal de Braga, and Gharbi will join the likes of João Moutinho and Ricardo Horta to help their push towards the top three, and perhaps Champions League football.