Moise Kean, the 20-year-old Italian international, is an exciting addition to Ligue 1 Uber Eats champions Paris Saint-Germain's attacking options for the season.
Kean, the former Juventus forward, has signed on loan from English Premier League club Everton and will attempt to reignite his career in the French capital following a difficult year and a bit in English football. With Edinson Cavani and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting having left in the summer, Kean should be in line for a decent amount of game time.
Back story:
Born in Vercelli to Ivorian parents, Kean grew up mainly speaking French at home, something that will assist his integration at Paris Saint-Germain. Kean joined Juventus at the age of 10 and signed his first professional contract at the age of 17, by which time he'd already become the youngest player in the history of the Italian giants, coming on as a substitute against Pescara on November 19 2016 at the age of 16 and nine months. Three days later, a late substitute at Sevilla, he became the first player born this millennium to feature in the UEFA Champions League.
Kean's first goal was a headed winner on he final day of the 2016-2017 season against Bologna. That summer he signed a contract extension and was then loaned to Verona for the 2017-2018 campaign, scoring four goals in 20 games. Back at Juve, Kean got his first taste of senior international football in November 2018 and then enjoyed a prolific spring of 2019, featuring his first Italy goal on his first start against Finland in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier. That strike made him the second youngest scorer for his country behind Bruno Nicolè. He joined Everton in a 27.5 million euros move. It took until January 20 for Kean to score his first league goal and he added another on the final day of the season.
Style of play:
Standing at 1m83, Kean has pace, the strength to hold off defenders and is an accurate finisher with his right foot. Decent in the air, at PSG he will be attempting to recapture the form of 18 months ago when still a Juventus player. At his best, he is a nightmare to play against for defenders and PSG fans will hoping to see a lot of his trademark dance goal celebration.
Current campaign:
Given only 13 minutes of Premier League action by former PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti before his move, Kean saved his best this season for the League Cup, marking his first start of the season against Salford City in mid-September with a goal from the penalty spot. He added another a week later in the 5-2 win over Fleetwood Town. Kean played 15 minutes off the bench for Italy in a 6-0 friendly win over Moldova on Wednesday October 7, having also featured as a sub against the Netherlands and Bosnia-Herzegovina the previous month.
What they said:
"I chose Paris Saint-Germain because it's a huge club that has won a lot of trophies. I feel really important because lots of great players have worn this shirt. I hope I will be worthy of it. I think that coming here and discovering the club and Ligue 1 is a good idea. It's a league that is a very good standard, which also made me want to join Paris Saint-Germain, as well as getting the chance to learn alongside some great players and to be able to bring something to the team."
Moise Kean, speaking to psg.fr after signing for Paris Saint-Germain
"I believe that Moise Kean has many great qualities. He is a great talent, and as I said many times, today's football must surely be based on talent. However, it must be supported by great character, professionalism and personality. He's very young and a serious boy, who is always available. I'm sure he will do well."
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti, speaking in June 2020
NB: photos courtesy of psg.fr