Edinson Cavani has reportedly turned down a short-term contract extension at PSG. Getty Images
Edinson Cavani has reportedly turned down a short-term contract extension at PSG. Getty Images
Edinson Cavani has reportedly turned down a short-term contract extension at PSG. Getty Images
Edinson Cavani has reportedly turned down a short-term contract extension at PSG. Getty Images

Football

Edinson Cavani and Thomas Meunier reportedly reject short-term contract extensions at PSG

French radio station RMC reports that Uruguayan striker and Belgium defender will not play cup finals or Champions League

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings
Abu Dhabi

June 21, 2020

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Paris Saint-Germain duo Edinson Cavani and Thomas Meunier have declined to sign short-term contract extensions that would allow them to play cup finals and the remainder of the club's Champions League commitments, according to a French radio station.

RMC reported on Sunday that Uruguay striker Cavani and Belgium defender Meunier's contracts expire on June 30, which, unless they had agreed to sign a two-month extension, rules them out of the French Cup and League Cup finals as well as the Champions League final eight in Lisbon in August.

Neither PSG, Cavani or Meunier have responded to the report.

PSG sports director Leonardo said last week that Cavani, the club's all-time record goalscorer, would not be offered a deal for next season, but that he hoped he would sign a short-term contract extension to help the French club's push to win a first Champions League title having already qualified for the quarter-finals.

The Ligue 1 season was ended on April 30 amid the Covid-19 crisis with PSG crowned French champions.

Cavani has scored 200 goals in 301 appearances since joining the Parisians in 2013 from Napoli, winning six Ligue 1 titles, four Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue titles.

Perhaps anticipating Cavani's decision, PSG last month triggered the option to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi on a permanent basis.

Meunier joined PSG from Club Brugge in 2016 has nine winner's medals and forged a reputation as one of the world's best right-backs.

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The best free agents on the market this summer

David Silva (Manchester City) - Considered by many the club's greatest ever player, the Spaniard looks set to call time on 10, trophy-laden years in England. Even at 34, the gifted playmaker should have a number of options, with AC Milan and David Beckham’s Inter Miami thought to be interested. Las Palmas - and a return home to Gran Caner - has also been mooted. AFP
David Silva (Manchester City) - Considered by many the club's greatest ever player, the Spaniard looks set to call time on 10, trophy-laden years in England. Even at 34, the gifted playmaker should have a number of options, with AC Milan and David Beckham’s Inter Miami thought to be interested. Las Palmas - and a return home to Gran Caner - has also been mooted. AFP
Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain) - Any team in need of a striker could do a lot worse than the prolific PSG frontman. Cavani, 33, has been linked with clubs in the US, South America and Asia, but is said to prefer a move to another major European league. Atletico Madrid have long been said to front the queue for the Uruguayan. Getty Images
Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain) - Any team in need of a striker could do a lot worse than the prolific PSG frontman. Cavani, 33, has been linked with clubs in the US, South America and Asia, but is said to prefer a move to another major European league. Atletico Madrid have long been said to front the queue for the Uruguayan. Getty Images
Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund) - The World Cup winner - he scored the decisive goal in 2014 - has already confirmed he’s set to leave the club having failed to hold down a place in the starting line-up. At 27, Gotze shouldn’t be short on offers, with a move to the Premier League seemingly likely. Everton and West Ham United have been linked, while he remains close to former manager Jurgen Klopp. Getty Images
Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund) - The World Cup winner - he scored the decisive goal in 2014 - has already confirmed he’s set to leave the club having failed to hold down a place in the starting line-up. At 27, Gotze shouldn’t be short on offers, with a move to the Premier League seemingly likely. Everton and West Ham United have been linked, while he remains close to former manager Jurgen Klopp. Getty Images
Willian (Chelsea) - Although apparently yet to decide whether to stick or twist, the Brazilian should be snapped up relatively quickly should he choose to call time on his Stamford Bridge career. Reportedly holds interest from Barcelona, while London rivals Arsenal and Spurs could be viable destinations. Chelsea’s second longest-serving player, the winger, 31, is no longer guaranteed a starting role. PA
Willian (Chelsea) - Although apparently yet to decide whether to stick or twist, the Brazilian should be snapped up relatively quickly should he choose to call time on his Stamford Bridge career. Reportedly holds interest from Barcelona, while London rivals Arsenal and Spurs could be viable destinations. Chelsea’s second longest-serving player, the winger, 31, is no longer guaranteed a starting role. PA
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan) - Thankfully for the evergreen frontman, the injury sustained recently is not as serious as first feared. The Swede, 38, has an option to extend his deal at the San Siro, but rival clubs could yet see a window of opportunity. Despite his age, Ibrahimovic would still be an attractive addition given his profile, although a stay in Serie A appears most likely. Getty Images
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan) - Thankfully for the evergreen frontman, the injury sustained recently is not as serious as first feared. The Swede, 38, has an option to extend his deal at the San Siro, but rival clubs could yet see a window of opportunity. Despite his age, Ibrahimovic would still be an attractive addition given his profile, although a stay in Serie A appears most likely. Getty Images
Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain) - While the Brazilian centre-back has maintained he’d like to see out his career at the Parc des Princes, he would still represent a bargain get for a selection pf prominent clubs. At 35, Silva remains one of the best defenders in France, with a return to AC Milan said to be a possibility, or even a switch to city rivals Inter. Getty Images
Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain) - While the Brazilian centre-back has maintained he’d like to see out his career at the Parc des Princes, he would still represent a bargain get for a selection pf prominent clubs. At 35, Silva remains one of the best defenders in France, with a return to AC Milan said to be a possibility, or even a switch to city rivals Inter. Getty Images
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur) - Time at Spurs appears to be running out for the experienced defender, who has been a fantastic signing since joining in 2012. However, contract talks have reportedly stalled, meaning the Belgian, 33, could be on the move, with Inter Milan, Roma and Napoli apparently interested. Vertonghen has looked off the pace in the Premier League this season. Getty Images
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur) - Time at Spurs appears to be running out for the experienced defender, who has been a fantastic signing since joining in 2012. However, contract talks have reportedly stalled, meaning the Belgian, 33, could be on the move, with Inter Milan, Roma and Napoli apparently interested. Vertonghen has looked off the pace in the Premier League this season. Getty Images
Pedro (Chelsea) - Another winger set for the Stamford Bridge exit. The Spaniard, 32, isn't understood to have an offer of a new contract despite an apparent willingness to stay in west London. With serious pedigree built primarily at Barcelona, Pedro should have plenty of suitors. Roma and Inter Miami are said to be chief among those. PA
Pedro (Chelsea) - Another winger set for the Stamford Bridge exit. The Spaniard, 32, isn't understood to have an offer of a new contract despite an apparent willingness to stay in west London. With serious pedigree built primarily at Barcelona, Pedro should have plenty of suitors. Roma and Inter Miami are said to be chief among those. PA
Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain) - Adding to the exodus at the French champions, the Belgian right-back (pictured left) is considering his options in an attempt to secure regular football. Meunier, 28, is more of an attacking full-back, and has been linked with Manchester United, Spurs, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. However, his desire for first-team football would rule him out of a move to Old Trafford. AFP
Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain) - Adding to the exodus at the French champions, the Belgian right-back (pictured left) is considering his options in an attempt to secure regular football. Meunier, 28, is more of an attacking full-back, and has been linked with Manchester United, Spurs, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. However, his desire for first-team football would rule him out of a move to Old Trafford. AFP
Adam Lallana (Liverpool) - Having fallen down the pecking order at the soon-to-be English champions, the midfielder would be better served trying to reignite his career elsewhere. Lallana, 32, has struggled with injuries but retains the skill set to burnish many a side. A hook-up with former manager Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City is thought to be a prime option. AFP
Adam Lallana (Liverpool) - Having fallen down the pecking order at the soon-to-be English champions, the midfielder would be better served trying to reignite his career elsewhere. Lallana, 32, has struggled with injuries but retains the skill set to burnish many a side. A hook-up with former manager Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City is thought to be a prime option. AFP
Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth) - The talented Scot emerged last season as Bournemouth’s standout star, so the club would be loathe to lose him – especially for free. However, Fraser seems ready to step up a level, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs thought to be impressed. The creative midfielder, now 26, would most certainly represent a bargain for any of those clubs. AP Photo
Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth) - The talented Scot emerged last season as Bournemouth’s standout star, so the club would be loathe to lose him – especially for free. However, Fraser seems ready to step up a level, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs thought to be impressed. The creative midfielder, now 26, would most certainly represent a bargain for any of those clubs. AP Photo
Company Profile

Founders: Tamara Hachem and Yazid Erman
Based: Dubai
Launched: September 2019
Sector: health technology
Stage: seed
Investors: Oman Technology Fund, angel investor and grants from Sharjah's Sheraa and Ma'an Abu Dhabi

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The biog

Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia

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Favourite dish: Grilled fish

Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.

Qosty Byogaani

Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny

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Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

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Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

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