PSG are gunning for their sixth consecutive Ligue 1 championship this upcoming season, but they might find it harder to repeat this time around, as they haven’t done much to retool their squad this summer.
Luis Enrique’s side has yet to make a key acquisition this offseason while selling some of their rotation players. But despite this, the early Ligue 1 2026 odds are fancying the Parisiens’ chances of winning another league title because their rivals have yet to capitalise.
RC Lens caught everyone by surprise last term with their second-place finish, but many see it as a fluke, and head coach Dino Toppmöller has been hit with some bad injury news. Elsewhere, AS Monaco have earned a reputation for developing youngsters well, and they could sell one of their best players from last season.
Here are some of the notable Ligue 1 2026 updates, courtesy of SBOTOP.
PSG could lose young forward after missing out on target
PSG are the defending champions in Ligue 1 and the Champions League because they’ve been aggressive in backing head coach Luis Enrique in the past few transfer windows. Some of their notable acquisitions in the past few years include: Willian Pacho, Joao Neves, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ibrahim Mbaye, Illia Zabarnyi, and Lucas Chevalier.
But since then, they haven’t added a player of high calibre after prying Dro Fernandez from Barcelona last January. This offseason, they’ve strengthened their goalkeeper ranks with the addition of Alessandro Longoni from AC Milan’s youth team. In terms of outgoings, PSG sold Goncalo Ramos and Lee Kang-In to AC Milan and Atletico Madrid, respectively, earning roughly €114 million. Although one can argue they’ve been surplus to Enrique’s needs.
After withdrawing their interest in Yan Diomande, who’s Real Madrid-bound, rivals are circling in on Bradley Barcola, who was the Parisiens’ top scorer last season with 11 league goals. According to reports, the 23-year-old forward has agreed to terms with Liverpool, who are expected to pay PSG at least €100 million in a potential transfer deal. If PSG sell Barcola, there will be more attacking responsibility on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue, while Warren Zaire-Emery and Senny Mayulu will get more chances.
Moreover, PSG must determine who their No. 1 goalie is this upcoming season. Lucas Chevalier has failed to impress thus far, as Enrique has rolled with Matvey Safonov during the latter part of 2025-26.
RC Lens youngster suffers injury setback
RC Lens have been hit with an injury blow at the back, as Samson Baidoo hurt his thigh during the team’s 3-0 club friendly win against Crystal Palace yesterday. The 22-year-old centre-back has been working his way back after he was hampered by a hamstring injury last season, and head coach Dino Toppmoller said that Baidoo could be out for the next few weeks.
Baidoo’s untimely injury changes the equation for RC Lens, which will now focus on searching for defensive reinforcements. Les Sang et Or have already parted ways with Malang Sarr this summer on a free transfer to Saudi Pro League side NEOM SC, and they just signed Maik Nawrocki from Celtic for €2.5 million and recalled Souleymane Sagnan from a loan at Caen.
RC Lens tried to recruit Armando Obispo from PSV Eindhoven, but to no avail. In the meantime, Matthieu Udol or Ismaëlo Ganiou could be asked to fill in for Baidoo.
Overall, RC Lens have let go of many players this offseason. Perhaps some of their biggest losses besides Sarr were parting ways with Wesley Said and Allan Saint-Maximin – two of their top players in the attacking third – who went to Al-Shamal and Charlotte FC, respectively. Said led Les Sang et Or in scoring with 12 league goals, while Saint-Maximin had three goals and three assists.
AS Monaco plan to hold on to their young star
AS Monaco are keen on keeping Maghnes Akliouche this offseason, as several rivals are circling in on the 24-year-old winger. PSG have reportedly tabled a bid for Akliouche recently, perhaps in anticipation of Bradley Barcola’s departure from Parc des Princes.
Per L’Equipe, AS Monaco rejected a €45 million bid from PSG for Akliouche, and the Parisiens have no intention to pay more for the young Frenchman. Akliouche, who registered seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions last term, is valued at least €70 million and is under contract with Les Rouge et Blanc until 2028.
On the other hand, AS Monaco have signed Ansu Fati on a permanent deal after a successful loan stint this past season. They reportedly paid Barcelona €11 million after the 23-year-old recorded 11 league goals.
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