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Paris Saint-Germain have changed their recruitment plans and are no longer considering Ibrahim Maza a priority for the immediate future.
The Algeria international had been identified as one of the profiles being monitored by the French champions, but no offer is currently being prepared for the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, according to Sky Germany.
The development represents a significant shift from reports that Paris Saint-Germain had shown strong interest in the Bayer Leverkusen player. The club’s strategy has been revised after a serious injury to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, which has altered the type of player Luis Enrique’s squad is expected to target.
Kvaratskhelia suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 Champions League victory over FC Barcelona. His absence is expected to be prolonged, and the club’s immediate priority is now to find a player capable of operating on the left side of the attack.
Maza can play in several attacking positions, but his preferred role is through the middle, where he links play between the lines. That makes him less suited to the specific profile Paris Saint-Germain are urgently seeking as a replacement for Kvaratskhelia.
The Parisian club therefore intends to focus its efforts on securing a replacement for the Georgia winger rather than opening negotiations for Maza. The Algeria international is currently valued at 50 million euros and remains under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2030.
The change in approach does not necessarily rule out future interest, but Maza is not currently at the centre of Paris Saint-Germain’s recruitment plans. The club’s focus is instead on addressing the immediate need created by Kvaratskhelia’s injury.
Bayer Leverkusen are due to play Hoffenheim in their seventh Bundesliga match shortly. The listed betting odds for the fixture are 2.10 for a Bayer Leverkusen win, 3.90 for a draw and 3.20 for a Hoffenheim victory.