Already mentioned last month by a Palmeiras-focused outlet, PSG’s interest in Brazilian defensive midfielder Luis Pacheco (17) has now been confirmed by a more reliable source.
During an appearance on DAZN Football, renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano dismissed recent rumors about a possible departure of Luis Enrique from PSG — a claim fabricated earlier this week by an English-language X account and already firmly denied by Luis Campos. According to Romano, Luis Enrique is happy in Paris and is already working closely with the sporting director on next season’s plans.
While PSG are not expected to be very active in terms of arrivals during the current winter transfer window, the club is clearly preparing for the summer mercato.
Luis Pacheco, a name PSG like a lot
In mid-December, a Palmeiras-specialized website reported interest from the Brazilian club in Lucas Beraldo, who has been short of playing time at PSG, and added that Paris were monitoring two young Palmeiras prospects — including Luis Pacheco.
Now aged 17 (he will turn 18 in February), Pacheco plays as a defensive midfielder and has already made two first-team appearances for Palmeiras at the end of the 2025 season. Palmeiras finished second in the Brazilian league and reached the Copa Libertadores final, losing both times to Flamengo — confirmation of the club’s high competitive level.
According to Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade (ESPN Brasil) — who was particularly well-informed on the Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo deals two years ago — Luis Pacheco is “very highly rated by PSG.” He reiterated this on Thursday during the Brazilian transfer-focused show No Fala a Fonte.
No further details were given, but in any case, Pacheco cannot move to Europe before the summer, as he will only turn 18 on February 2, the closing date of the French winter transfer window.
A top Brazilian prospect to watch
Under contract with Palmeiras until 2028, Pacheco has a €100 million release clause for foreign clubs. He is considered one of the top Brazilian prospects in his position and has recently been promoted to the first team by Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras’ Portuguese head coach, who intends to assess him and give him playing time during the first half of 2026.
Consistently playing above his age group in Palmeiras’ youth teams, Pacheco is also a Brazil U17 international and took part in the most recent U17 World Cup, where Brazil finished fourth. Pacheco featured in eight matches, including the semi-final loss to Portugal on penalties — a match watched on site by Luis Campos, during which Pacheco played the full 90 minutes and converted his penalty.
While there is no guarantee PSG will move forward on this deal this summer, Luis Pacheco is clearly a name worth keeping in mind in the months ahead.