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PSG eye Guela Doue, brother of Desire Doue, as ideal Achraf Hakimi understudy after Ivory Coast’s World Cup heroics
Sameer Bhatia | June 26, 2026 11:13 PM CST

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have set their sights on Strasbourg defender Guela Doue as the perfect addition to reinforce their defence ahead of the next season. The French champions are determined to bring in a dependable right-back who can serve as a strong back-up for their star player Achraf Hakimi, after struggling to find a suitable option during the previous transfer window.

PSG renew their defensive search

Following last summer’s failure to sign a proper deputy for the right-back position, sporting director Luis Campos has intensified efforts to fill the gap, according to Foot01. The club had been forced to use midfielders Warren Zaire-Emery and Joao Neves in the role whenever Hakimi was unavailable. Now, PSG have turned their attention to 23-year-old Guela Doue from Strasbourg, who impressed throughout the domestic campaign after signing a long-term deal lasting until June 2029.

Versatile talent wins over club management

As per Fussballdaten, the PSG hierarchy is highly impressed by the tactical adaptability of the Ivorian international. Formerly with Rennes, Guela has evolved into one of Ligue 1’s standout defenders, recording two goals and seven assists in 34 appearances. His ability to seamlessly shift between right-back, central defence, and even midfield fits perfectly with the fluid tactical system favoured by manager Luis Enrique.

World Cup displays boost reputation

Guela’s growing stature has been further enhanced by his performances for Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup, where he featured three times to help the team reach the round of 32. He started in key wins against Ecuador and Curacao and came off the bench against Germany, catching the attention of major clubs such as Borussia Dortmund. In response, Strasbourg have reportedly placed a price tag of €30 million to €35 million on Desire Doue’s elder brother to deter potential bidders.

Transfer showdown on the horizon

The upcoming transfer window will be a crucial test for PSG’s negotiating skills and squad management, as they aim to persuade Guela to accept a rotational role behind Hakimi. With several top clubs monitoring the situation, the French giants will need to act swiftly to open talks before pre-season begins under Luis Enrique. Addressing this long-standing depth issue is seen as vital for PSG’s ambitions to defend their Ligue 1 title and challenge for another Champions League triumph in the coming campaign.


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