Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Desire Doue from Rennes.
He has signed a five-year contract that runs until 2029.
The Athletic previously reported that the 19-year-old midfielder had attracted interest from PSG and Bayern Munich, with both clubs having initial offers rejected.
“I’m delighted to be joining Paris Saint-Germain,” said Doue. “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 came through Rennes’ academy before making his Ligue 1 debut in August 22, aged 17.
The teenager has since gone on to establish himself as one of the division’s most promising talents, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 57 Ligue 1 games.
In addition to representing France’s national youth sides, he also was part of the France squad that earned silver medals in the men’s Olympic football tournament.
“Desire is one of the most exciting young stars in France and Europe, hungry to succeed at the highest level with PSG,” said PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. “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.”
GO DEEPER
Desire Doue: The 19-year-old coveted by Bayern and PSG
PSG secure prime target in highly-coveted Doue
Doue was a top target for PSG, with club president Nasser Al Khelaifi personally involved in trying to secure his signature.
Doue has caught the eye in Ligue 1 and is now seen as the next great talent to emerge from the Rennes academy, following in the footsteps not only of Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel in recent times but Ousmane Dembele, Eduardo Camavinga and Sacha Boey.
This past season in particular, 2023-24, his strength on the ball, his fleetness of foot and his match-winning technical ability in the final third, came to the fore and that has made him so appealing to the big clubs.
It is his attacking qualities that help him stand out. Unsurprisingly, he has played many of his minutes in an attacking midfield role, notably preferring the left-hand side. There, he can go past defenders one-on-one before delivering crosses or smart, reverse passes into the area.
He has played in nearly every attacking position: on the left wing, on the right, behind a striker and as a centre-forward. Those positions suit his characteristics, particularly as he is so fleet-footed. But he has also played in a deeper midfield role, particularly under coach Julien Stephan.
(Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
