Source: D.C.’s Acosta to sign as Neymar stand-in
The FC guys examine how much the odds would sway in Manchester United’s favour should Neymar be ruled out for PSG’s UCL round-of-16 first leg. (1:38)
D.C. United’s Luciano Acosta is Paris Saint-Germain bound, a source has confirmed to ESPN FC, after coach Thomas Tuchel demanded attacking reinforcement to cover Neymar’s absence.
Brazil international Neymar is ruled out for over two months with a second injury to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in as many years.
With help from former Tottenham and Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli, we show you a step-by-step guide to a transfer.
Can a 44-year-old man cut it in the Premier League? Our writer suffers — and suffers some more — through a medical at Everton.
According to the source, utilising good relations with recent signing Leandro Paredes‘ agent Mattias Sabbag, PSG have quickly been able to agree the move in principle with the Major League Soccer side with an offer of less than €10 million, and meet the player’s personal terms as well.
Acosta has left D.C. United’s training camp and is scheduled to arrive in Paris on Thursday for his medical and his confirmation as PSG’s latest signing should occur before the transfer deadline.
The 24-year-old, who started his career with Boca Juniors, was part of the 2018 MLS best XI and struck up a rapport with designated player Wayne Rooney, who helped to spark a turnaround in fortunes for Ben Olsen’s men after his midseason arrival.
Despite concerns over his diminutive build with Ligue 1 a competition known for its physicality, the source indicated that Tuchel and his staff have given their blessing to the move for the Argentine, which is a cost-effective way of filling the gap created by Neymar’s recent injury as efforts continue to land another defensive midfielder.
Once the deal has been completed, Acosta could be in contention to form part of the squad for the trip to Lyon on Sunday.
Depending on how he fares between now and Feb. 12, Acosta could also force his way into Tuchel’s plans for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
PSG are a provisional 13 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with one or two games in hand over most other teams, and travel to semi-professional Villefranche-Beaujolais in the Coupe de France round of 16 next week, which could be a debut opportunity for Acosta.
Realistically, Acosta is not guaranteed to start just because Neymar is unavailable, but he does give options and the chance to rest Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and fellow Argentine Angel Di Maria ahead of facing United.