Big-spending Paris Saint-Germain have signed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes from Zenit St Petersburg on a four-and-a-half year deal, the French Ligue 1 club announced on Tuesday. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but French media had reported earlier that PSG would pay 45 million euros (£39 million) for the 24-year-old, who has been capped nine times by Argentina. “I’m very proud to be joining Paris Saint-Germain,” Paredes told PSG’s official website. “I now have this fantastic opportunity, not only to discover a new league, but… to wear one the most prestigious club jerseys in the world.” PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said Paredes would bring guile and strength to the club’s midfield. “Leandro brings with him the traditional strengths of Argentinian football, a fighting spirit and excellent technical skills,” he said. “I am sure he will fit quickly into our coach’s well-organised and ambitious team.” The French champions, who have a 13-point lead at the top of Ligue 1, travel to third-placed Lyon on Sunday. Published in Daily Times, January 30th 2019.