Former Napoli star reveals PSG signed Spanish international to ‘harm Real Madrid’

Former Napoli star reveals PSG signed Spanish international to ‘harm Real Madrid’ Fabian Ruiz has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Luis Enrique’s PSG era so far, with the Spaniard transforming himself from being a just another midfielder to a vital component in a team that has won two back to back Champions League titles. Ruiz was also a part of the Spain team that secured the FIFA World Cup this past summer, even starting ahead of Barcelona star Pedri. However, it wasn’t always like this and according to one of Ruiz’s former teammates, PSG did not even want to sign the Spanish midfielder in the first place. Ruiz was signed to hurt Real Madrid Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, former Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam revealed the intriguing backstory behind Ruiz’s 2022 move to PSG, one that directly involved Real Madrid. Ruiz has become one of Europe’s best midfielders at PSG. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images) “Fabian was at Napoli, and Ancelotti wanted to bring him back to Real Madrid. He had one year left on his contract, so he could leave for free. “Real Madrid couldn’t make any signings at that time because they were trying to sign Mbappe before he renewed with PSG,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo ). “PSG, knowing that Real Madrid wanted Fabian, signed him before Real Madrid could make their move. If we analyse Fabian’s beginnings at PSG, he wasn’t playing because they didn’t want him; they had signed him to undermine Real Madrid,” he added. Ghoulam added that PSG ultimately stumbled upon a gem, as Ruiz has indeed turned into one of the best midfielders in Europe. “Then they came across the best midfielder in the world. If Ancelotti wants him at all costs, there’s a reason,” he concluded. Should Real Madrid go after Ruiz now? This raises an interesting question, particularly given Real Madrid’s ongoing struggles in midfield this season. Fabian Ruiz could make a lot of sense at Real Madrid right now. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) Los Blancos have looked short of creativity and control in the middle of the park, with the Valverde-Tchouameni pairing failing to convince. Having missed out on Rodri to Barcelona in the summer, the club could yet revisit the market for a midfielder of Ruiz’s profile. The Spaniard would tick many boxes. He is a proven winner, comfortable dictating tempo, and boasts the big-game pedigree Real Madrid crave, having excelled in back-to-back Champions League triumphs and Spain’s World Cup success. However, prising him away from PSG would be no easy task. Ruiz is now firmly established as a key figure under Luis Enrique and would command a hefty fee. There is also the small matter of Real Madrid’s existing options, with Mourinho having repeatedly insisted his squad has the quality to compete.