Mika Godts was set to start against PEC Zwolle but was dropped from the starting lineup at the last minute. Insiders claim his transfer request was the reason, while PSG simultaneously unveiled a new signing.
Football circles are buzzing with unusual scenes that preceded Ajax's first match of the new Eredivisie season. Belgian international Mika Godts, one of the Amsterdam club's brightest young stars, was omitted from the starting lineup just minutes before the away clash against PEC Zwolle. Although the initial thought was injury, insider sources close to Paris Saint-Germain have floated a far more controversial story.
ESPN cameras captured the moment when Godts, already in his kit and ready to step onto the pitch, had a brief conversation with coach Marcelino. Immediately after, the decision was made for Abdellah Ouazane to take his place in the starting eleven. According to media outlets covering PSG's activities, the 21-year-old attacker reportedly informed the coaching staff that he did not want to play, motivated precisely by the transfer to the reigning European champions.
Renowned insider Fabrizio Romano reported a day earlier that PSG had sent an official bid to Ajax for Godts, worth €45 million, with additional bonuses that would bring the total package to €50 million. The young Belgian, who has been dubbed the "new Hazard," is evidently impressed by the interest from the Parisian giants.
Although the scenes from the warm-up have sparked a storm of speculation, the whole story should be taken with a grain of salt. There is a possibility that Godts felt tightness or pain during the warm-up, which could potentially jeopardize a lucrative career move, and he decided not to take any risks as a precaution. The final word is still to be given by Ajax's medical staff.
What somewhat supports the theory of a minor injury is the fact that Godts did enter the game in the 61st minute. Moreover, he managed to get on the scoresheet with an assist, setting up Julian Brandt's goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time for a final 2-0 scoreline.
While the saga over Mika Godts' future continues, Paris Saint-Germain has officially confirmed their third signing of the year. On Saturday, it was announced that French international left-back Lucas Digne has returned to the club. The 33-year-old arrived from Aston Villa for €7 million, while his release clause was just under €10 million. He has signed a contract until 2029.
"Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the return of Lucas Digne. The French international defender has signed a contract with the capital club until 2029," the club's statement read.
Digne returns to Paris ten years after leaving, having built an impressive career in the meantime. For Aston Villa, where he arrived in January 2022, he played 182 matches, scored four goals, and provided 24 assists. With the Birmingham club, he also won the Europa League in May last year under Unai Emery, beating Freiburg 3-0 in the final. In Paris, he will serve as an experienced alternative to the first-choice left-back, Portuguese Nuno Mendes.
His arrival followed PSG's signings last week of third-choice goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni and Norwegian midfielder Magnus Akliouche. Coach Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos continue to rapidly assemble the squad for the new season, and Godts could, by all accounts, be the next big target.
