As the season draws to a close, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) finds itself in a precarious position regarding its young talents, particularly Axel Tape. The 17-year-old central defender was called up for the match against Strasbourg on Saturday afternoon, May 3, 2025, marking a significant moment in his burgeoning career. Having already made an appearance with the senior team this season, Tape's future is now under scrutiny as he is expected to join Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning champions of Germany.
PSG's decision to include Axel Tape in the squad for this crucial match comes during a busy period for the club, which is navigating through intense competition in both domestic and European tournaments. The inclusion of two young players, Tape and Noham Kamara, speaks to the club's commitment to integrating youth into their first team. Tape, who was a starter in the Coupe de France against Espaly earlier this year, is one of the standout prospects from PSG's youth academy.
Reports from Sky Germany indicate that Axel Tape is enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Bayer Leverkusen. The German club has reportedly impressed him through several video interviews conducted by sporting director Simon Rolfes and his team. These discussions have evidently sparked a strong interest in the young defender, who is eager to take the next step in his career.
In addition to Tape, PSG is also bracing for the departure of Mahamadou Sangaré, another young talent whose future is uncertain. Sangaré, an 18-year-old forward and the top scorer in the Youth League with ten goals—including two hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atlético de Madrid—has made it clear that he will not be extending his contract with PSG. Manchester City is reportedly keen on securing Sangaré's services, intending to loan him out to Troyes, another club within the City Football Group.
While Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as the frontrunner for Tape's signature, Eintracht Frankfurt is also keeping a close eye on the situation. However, it is clear that Tape is leaning towards a move to Leverkusen, where he could potentially follow in the footsteps of Moussa Diaby, who made a similar transition from PSG to the German club in 2019.
The situation surrounding Axel Tape highlights the ongoing challenges faced by PSG in retaining its young prospects. With the club's current roster not guaranteeing a secure spot for these emerging talents, many are seeking opportunities elsewhere to ensure their development continues uninterrupted. Tape's situation is emblematic of a broader trend within the club, which has seen several promising players depart in search of more favorable conditions to advance their careers.
As the match against Strasbourg approaches, all eyes will be on Axel Tape. His performance on the pitch could further influence his future, especially with potential suitors watching closely. PSG's management will need to act swiftly to secure their young stars if they hope to maintain their competitive edge in the coming seasons.
In conclusion, while the excitement builds around the match against Strasbourg, the looming question of Axel Tape's future adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Will he shine in his opportunity with the first team, or will the allure of Bayer Leverkusen prove too strong to resist? The coming weeks will be pivotal for both the player and the club as they navigate through this critical juncture.
