Senegal’s Pape Gueye reveals PSG approached him before Marseille move

Senegal international Pape Gueye has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain attempted to recruit him during his youth career, but he turned down the opportunity before eventually joining Le Havre’s academy.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who is preparing to face PSG with Villarreal in the Champions League, disclosed that the French champions had shown interest in him while he was playing for Blanc-Mesnil.

Gueye, who was born in the Paris suburbs, made the revelation in an interview with L’Équipe, explaining that his family supported Marseille and that he was invited to attend a trial with PSG but never accepted.

PSG failed to convince Gueye

Gueye recalled receiving an invitation from PSG during his time at Blanc-Mesnil but explained that his family’s support for Marseille was a significant part of his early football environment.

“At home, everyone supported Marseille. When I was playing for Blanc-Mesnil, I even remember that PSG sent me an invitation to come for a trial, but I never went,” the Senegalese midfielder said.

Despite the initial decision, PSG continued to pursue the midfielder as he prepared to take the next step in his career.

Gueye revealed that the Parisian club made another attempt to secure his services shortly before he committed his future to Le Havre.

Le Havre won the race for Senegal midfielder

The former Marseille player eventually chose Le Havre because of the quality of its football development programme and the importance it placed on education.

Although PSG remained interested, Gueye recalled receiving a final message from the club’s youth recruitment department before signing his contract.

“Before I went into the office in Le Havre to sign my contract, I remember my former agent showing me a text message from PSG’s youth recruitment manager. They didn’t give up on me right until the very end.”

Gueye subsequently developed at Le Havre before turning professional and later joining Olympique de Marseille, PSG’s arch-rivals.

Gueye prepares for Champions League meeting with PSG

The Senegalese international will now come up against the club that once tried to recruit him when Villarreal face PSG in the Champions League.

Gueye has established himself as an international with Senegal, earning 48 caps and scoring seven goals.

His career has taken him from the Paris suburbs to Le Havre, Marseille and now Spanish football, having ultimately chosen a different route despite PSG’s early interest.