For over ten years, the Qatari ownership of Paris Saint-Germain has invested significantly to attract prominent athletes.

Their objective has been to enhance the club's profitability, eliminate the unprofessional reputation often linked to hooliganism, and establish a competitive squad capable of clinching the Champions League title.

With unprecedented revenues exceeding 800 million euros ($890 million) achieved last year, they have successfully fostered substantial growth.

Additionally, they have effectively mitigated the violence that previously contributed to a tense and hostile atmosphere at the Parc des Princes.

The club has also succeeded in attracting some of the sport's most renowned figures, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé, who at various times provided hope for winning Europe's premier tournament.

However, the Champions League title has remained elusive.

With the departure of these superstars, it may seem paradoxical, but the club could now be in a stronger position to pursue continental success.

The exits of Messi to Inter Miami and Neymar to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in recent years, along with Mbappé's transfer to Real Madrid this summer, signify the conclusion of an era at PSG, characterized by reliance on individual talent and substantial financial expenditure since the Qatari takeover in 2011.

The significant gap ”eft by Mbappé has not been filled by another marquee player. Instead, coach Luis Enrique has focused on developing the existing squad. His approach is logical: while Mbappé is irreplaceable, a combination of several attacking players can potentially match or exceed the scoring output of the French captain.

“This feels like a continuation of last season to me,” Enrique remarked, having utilized 21 players across four league matches thus far. “We are indeed a young team, but we possess a strong desire and ambition, which is fantastic. I consider myself fortunate to work with such a squad.”

Enrique has advocated for the acquisition of lesser-known yet highly skilled players across all positions to foster competition and provide alternatives. This strategy may prove even more vital this season, given the new Champions League format that will increase the number of matches. PSG is set to face Girona from Spain on Wednesday.

The club has brought In goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, esteemed defender Willian Pacho, promising midfielder João Neves, and winger Désiré Doué. Pacho made a strong impression at Eintracht Frankfurt, while the versatile Neves has already earned 11 caps for Portugal at just 19 years old.

Both Pacho and Neves have quickly integrated into the team, and the revamped PSG has made an immediate impact, winning their first four matches and leading the Ligue 1 table.

“PSG is significantly stronger as a unit compared to last year; everyone contributes to both attacking and defending,” stated Brest coach Eric Roy after his team fell 3-1 to the reigning champions over the weekend. “They apply considerable pressure, especially when they lose possession.”

The primary concern heading into the season was whether PSG could sustain a formidable attack without their star player. However, with the addition of two dynamic wingers—Ousmane Dembélé and Badley Barcola—alongside Marco Asensio in a false No. 9 role, PSG appears to have discovered an effective solution.

The team has netted 16 goals while allowing only three, achieving the highest goal difference after four Ligue matches since Reims in 1952. Currently, only Marseille’s Mason Greenwood has scored more goals than Barcola and Dembélé, with João Neves leading the league in assists with three.

Despite PSG’s stronghold on the French league, having claimed the title in 10 of the last 12 seasons, they have only reached one Champions League final since the acquisition by Qatar Sports Investments. Therefore, it is understandable that Enrique remains cautious.

When asked about the noticeable improvements, he remarked, “We will see at the end of the season what the team has achieved.”