Warren Zaire-Emery signs new long-term Paris Saint-Germain contract

0
28

Warren Zaire-Emery has signed a new Paris Saint-Germain contract to keep him at the club until 2029.

The Athletic reported in February Zaire-Emery was expected to sign a new long-term deal, and he has now officially committed his future to the club.

The 18-year-old’s existing deal had been set to expire in 2025.

“I’m so proud and happy to continue my adventure with the club I’ve been with since the start — Paris Saint-Germain — my boyhood club,” Zaire-Emery said. “I would like to thank the President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who has been with me here since I started, for his faith in me. I’m grateful for everything the club has done for me so far.

“I’d also like to thank all my former coaches and trainers, and especially coach Luis Enrique, and all those who have accompanied me since I arrived here in 2014, all those people who do everything to help me succeed, all the staff at Paris Saint-Germain who push me a lot with their backing, and the supporters who I hope to continue to make proud.”


Zaire-Emery celebrates his goal against Borussia Dortmund in December (NESimages/Perry vd Leuvert/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Zaire-Emery, a product of the PSG academy, has broken a selection of club records since making his senior debut in August 2022, becoming the club’s youngest ever player at the age of 16 years, 4 months and 29 days.

The midfielder is also the youngest player in the club’s history to score in Ligue 1, play in the Champions League and win the Ligue 1 title.

He has become an integral part of Luis Enrique’s side this season, making 38 appearances in all competitions and providing three goals and six assists, with PSG qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals and on course to defend their Ligue 1 title.

Zaire-Emery’s form was rewarded with his senior France debut in November 2023, and at the age of 17 years and 255 days he became the youngest player to represent his county since Maurice Gastiger in 1914. Zaire-Emery marked his debut with a goal.

“I had no doubt Zaire-Emery would renew because he believes in the project, and PSG is in his heart,” club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi added. “Since he arrived at our club 10 years ago, he has worked so hard to develop his fantastic talent.

“He has so much more to achieve — and knows with hard work he will achieve all his goals at Paris. Warren also cares about the club and the collective more than himself – which is what we want in our all players. We are very proud that a product of our Youth Academy is at the centre of our first team for years to come.”

An integral part of PSG’s new era

Analysis from Peter Rutzler

Summer appointment Luis Enrique said earlier in the season that he was fortunate to arrive at a new club and have a player of Zaire-Emery’s calibre placed in front of him. From that first moment, the youngster has been integral to his plans. He started all but one of the pre-season matches and has made 38 appearances in all competitions.

Zaire-Emery is a revelation but not a bolt from the blue.

He made his debut last year under previous coach Christophe Galtier and was actually brought into first-team training under his predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino, in 2021, because he was outperforming the under-19 age group and catching the eye with exceptional UEFA youth league performances. He was only 15 at the time.

An academy graduate at PSG, Zaire-Emery grew up in the suburbs of Paris, and first played for Aubervilliers, the club where his father, Franck was a coach.

Once at PSG, he immediately stood out. Not just because of his flawless technique but also his on-the-ball intelligence.

He is already becoming integral for the club, not least as they embark on a new era built around younger, domestic talent. He is the epitome of a new generation.

(Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)

Read the full article here

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here