Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of 19-year-old winger Desire Doue frombayern Rennes after fending off a handful of other teams for his signature.
The 19-year-old has joined Luis Enrique's side on a five-year contract until the summer of 2029, and PSG are understood to have paid €50m (£42.6m) to bring him to the Parc des Princes.
Doue was thought to have been the subject of interest from a handful of teams this summer, notably Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, in addition to German giants Bayern Munich.
Talk of Doue potentially moving to one of the two North London giants eventually quietened down, leaving Bayern as PSG's main competition, and an intense two-way fight for his services ensued.
The winger ultimately chose to remain in Ligue 1 with PSG after reportedly holding a post-Olympics meeting with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who labelled him one of the most promising talents in France after his signing was announced.
✍️ Welcome to Paris! ❤️💙 #WelcomeDoué
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 17, 2024
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Doue: 'Playing for PSG is a dream come true'
"Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to welcome Desire Doue to our family. Desire is one of the most exciting young stars in France and Europe, hungry to succeed at the highest level with PSG," Al-Khelaifi told the PSG website.
"We continue to build an incredible young team of talented players across every position at Paris Saint-Germain – with the collective team at the core of everything we do."
Meanwhile, Doue described his move to the French capital as a "dream come true", adding: "I'm delighted to be joining Paris Saint-Germain. I'm really excited, and also happy and proud. It's a dream come true. I can't wait to discover the Parc des Princes in a PSG jersey and to play in front of these fans."
Doue leaves Rennes after 13 years in the red and black kit, having joined the club as a youth player in 2011 before going on to make 76 senior appearances, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.
The 2005-born youngster struck four goals of his own and set up five more in 31 Ligue 1 appearances last season, and he played five times for France at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scoring one goal and providing one assist en route to the silver medal.
Will Arsenal, Spurs be left to rue Doue decision?
© Imago
While neither Arsenal nor Tottenham's interest became as advanced as Bayern or PSG's, the Gunners in particular may lament missing out on the talented teenager, who is comfortable on the right and left flank, as well as centrally.
Doue could very well have proved to be an ideal backup for Bukayo Saka, whose workload became a concern among Gooners last season as he picked up niggle after niggle, thanks in no small part to a lack of cover.
Reiss Nelson is the only other true right-winger in the squad, but the Englishman was largely frozen out last season and could leave before the window shuts, while Fabio Vieira has also struggled to make an impact in that position.
However, Doue's switch to PSG does not come as such a bitter blow for Tottenham, who have already added to their wide ranks this summer with the surprise £25m capture of Wilson Odobert from Burnley.
The Lilywhites have also tied 17-year-old wonderkid Mikey Moore down to his first professional contract, and he will be a part of Ange Postecoglou's first-team squad this season.
Ben Knapton
