Defender Joane Gadou (17) seems to like life in Austria. The centre-back, who was recruited by the Paris Saint-Germain academy in 2020, explains why he chose to leave the comfort of the French capital.
Speaking to L'Équipe, Gadou says that joining Red Bull Salzburg was “the best project for it [him]”, adding that the training in Austria is very intense and comparable to England.
In September, the 17-time Austrian Bundesliga champions added Gadou to their squad on a three-year contract worth a reported €10 million.
Gadou, born in Aubervilliers, had reportedly refused to sign a professional contract with Les Parisiens in August before moving to Austria.
He says he has adapted well to his new environment and to a team that plays a faster transition game with relentless high-pressing.
According to Gadou, the transition to his new club has allowed him to mature much more as a footballer from a tactical perspective. He adds that he is confident that his time in Austria will allow him to develop into a versatile defender.
The right-footed centre-back, who helped PSG claim the U19 Championnat National in 2023/24, does not believe there was ever a real possibility the reigning Ligue 1 champions would have loaned him out, despite numerous reports.
Gadou has played a starring role in his side's last three home games, making two appearances in the starting XI for Pep Lijnders' men, but has never featured in a UEFA Champions League match.
On Tuesday, Gadou's side face PSG in the Champions League, with the Austrians sitting a point below them in the table and both sides currently outside the top 24 and a place in the knockout stages.
Salzburg have lost all their home Champions League games at this stage of the 2024/25 competition, including a 4-0 defeat to Stade Brestois 29 in October.
Tuesday will mark only the second time they host Les Parisiens in a European tournament, with Die Rotten Bullen claiming a 2-0 victory against them in the 2011 UEFA Europa League match.
GFFN | Joel Lefèvre
Comments