Cher Ndour signs for Paris Saint-Germain on five-year deal

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Italian midfielder Cher Ndour on a five-year contract.

The 18-year-old joins the Ligue 1 champions on a free transfer after running down his contract at Benfica and becomes the sixth name through the door at the Parc des Princes this summer.

Ndour follows Lucas Hernandez, Milan Skriniar, Marco Asensio, Manuel Ugarte and Lee Kang-in to the French capital, and he has vowed to give "everything" for Luis Enrique's side.

"It's a really special feeling. I'm feeling a lot of emotions, but first of all it's a great feeling of joy. Paris Saint-Germain is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and there are a lot of great champions here, so it's a real honour to be able to join this family," Ndour told PSG's media channels.

"The project, the players, the stadium, everything appealed to me and convinced me to sign for the club straight away. I think coming here was the best choice for me.

🔴 #WelcomeNdour 🔵

pic.twitter.com/RcZubAqTqm

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 12, 2023

"It's a new chapter in my development. Obviously there's a bit of pressure, but first and foremost it's good pressure. It's something that pushes me to work even harder so that I can continue to improve every day. And I'm someone who loves new challenges and new adventures, so now I'm ready to give everything for this club."

The Brescia-born teenager represented Atalanta BC at youth level before making the move to Benfica in 2020, and he developed into an integral player for the Eagles' B team during his three-year stay.

During the 2021-22 season, Benfica were crowned UEFA Youth League and Under-19 Portuguese champions, and Ndour scored in a 6-0 thrashing of Red Bull Salzburg in the final of the former competition.

The 18-year-old - who can operate as a number eight or number 10 - continued to shine at youth level last season with four goals and one assist in 30 Liga Sabseg appearances, and he made his first-team debut for Benfica as a substitute in a 5-1 Primeira Liga win over Vitoria de Guimaraes in March.

However, Ndour opted not to renew his deal with Benfica, and he was reportedly on the radar of Manchester City and Manchester United, but the 2004-born lynchpin could not pass up the opportunity to share a dressing room with revered compatriot Marco Verratti.

© Reuters

"Yes, it's great to follow in the footsteps of all the great Italian players who have worn this shirt. Marco Verratti is a great player and a role model for me, especially as we play in the same position. I'm going to try to learn as much as I can from him," Ndour added.

"He's one of Italy's best midfielders, and even one of the best midfielders in the world, so to be able to play with him... What's more, we'll be able to communicate in Italian together, which is bound to be an advantage for me.

"When I was little, I never imagined that one day I'd have the chance to play with so many great players. Up until now I've only seen them on Playstation, so it's really something incredible."

Ndour will compete with the likes of Ugarte and Verratti for starts in Enrique's midfield, while Carlos Soler, Renato Sanches, Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha - a quartet of signings from 2022 - also form part of PSG's sizeable engine room contingent.

Ndour has represented Italy from Under-15 to Under-20 level and has one goal from three appearances at the ongoing Under-19 European Championships, as the Azzurrini prepare to face Spain in Thursday's semi-final.