Areola not expecting Paris return

Alphonse Areola has reportedly decided his future no longer lies at Paris Saint-Germain and won’t be returning after his loan deal at Real Madrid expires. The 26-year-old was sent out on loan to the Spanish giants right at the end of the summer transfer window in a deal which saw fellow shot stopper Keylor Navas move in the opposite direction.
While Navas has gone on to feature regularly for the Parisians, making 11 appearances in total, Areola’s opportunities at the Bernabeu have been limited.
Having been expected to challenge Thibaut Courtois for the No.1 jersey after the Belgian’s indifferent form since his move from Chelsea in 2018, Areola has only managed three appearances in all competitions for Real.
Given his relative lack of action and Real not having inserted a clause which would allow them to make his loan stay permanent, it remains to be seen whether he has a long-term future in the Spanish capital.
Whether he stays with Real or not, L’Equipe are now reporting the Frenchman will not return to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season as he looks to move on from his old club.
Areola has been at PSG since 2006 but, despite plenty of opportunities, has never convinced as the first-choice shot-stopper for the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
PSG aren’t keen to lose Areola, though, with reports claiming they have no plans to keep Sergio Rico, who is also on loan at the Parc des Princes, beyond this season.
Ideally, head coach Thomas Tuchel would like to sign Navas permanently and have Areola as his back-up although that looks unlikely.
As a World Cup winner, Areola is keen to find a club where he is the undisputed top dog and has tasked his representatives with finding him a new home.