PSG RC Lens eye Ganiou as Marquinhos successor in Ligue 1

In the Trophée des champions where RC Lens beat PSG 1‑0, 21‑year‑old Ismaëlo Ganiou shone, prompting PSG RC Lens observers to view him as a possible successor to Marquinhos. His performance, praised for technical ease and anticipation, has sparked talk of a Ligue 1 option for Paris after Marquinhos, though no concrete approach has been reported.

Ismaëlo Ganiou, a French Espoirs international, confirmed on Sunday that he will be relied upon throughout the season. He started in Lens’s back line and delivered a high‑level performance against the Paris attackers.

His display built on the form he showed during the 2025‑2026 exercise, reinforcing his reputation at the club.

Lens defender’s recent pedigree

Le profil of the defender, a product of LOSC’s academy, played a large part in RC Lens’s second‑place finish in Ligue 1 and their Coupe de France triumph. At only 21, he already boasts ambitions with the Racing.

His ambition is evident in his statements about contributing to the club’s future.

Luis Enrique warns PSG of fierce rivals after narrow Lens defeat

Potential successor to Marquinhos

Espoirs du Foot argues that Luis Campos should examine the Lensois, noting his commitment, anticipation, technical ease and ability to project himself as qualities sought by PSG. Foot01 echoes this, labeling him a potential successor to Marquinhos. Une suggestion that he could replace Marquinhos has been made, though no offer or contact has been reported.

Paris has not added any central defender this summer, leaving Luis Enrique with Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Illia Zabarnyi, Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Beraldo in the defensive department.

Meanwhile, Liverpool continues talks with PSG over Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, but no agreement has been reached between the clubs.

Lens upset forces PSG to widen Ligue 1 title focus

Ganiou must still feature in the Champions League with RC Lens, an exposure that could boost his market value. The relationship between the two clubs may complicate any future negotiations, yet he remains a cornerstone of the Lens project with his future clearly outlined.