Goncalo Guedes, Portugal's NxGn starlet enjoying a renaissance away from Paris

You’d think having signed for Paris Saint-Germain for €30 million (£26m/$35m), Goncalo Guedes would be the name on everyone’s lips across the continent. 

But things didn't really go the Portuguese youngster’s way in France and, having made just 13 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants across two campaigns, Guedes found himself shipped out on loan.

"He wanted to play more and in Paris there were many stars, a lot of great players," his father and agent Rogerio said. 

But it was a blessing in disguise. The 21-year-old has flourished on the wing for Valencia and has attracted the interest of various European powerhouses. 

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His five goals and nine assists for the Liga side are impressive, with no other player for Marcelino’s outfit having set up as many goals as the youngster. 

Only four other players in the league have set up more goals than Guedes, and they include Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez - he’s in good company. 

He’s completed more dribbles (2.5) than any Valencia player, more take-ons (81), was fouled more than anyone else and still created an impressive 1.4 key passes per match. 

Club’s are circling - none more than Valencia who want to make his loan permanent - but PSG are unlikely to part with him on the cheap. 

Given their need to sell players to meet Financial Fair Play regulations, rumours the Parisians want an astonishing €80m (£70m/$94m) for his services may scupper any move. 

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Valencia have already had a €40m (£35m/$47m) bid rejected, and general director Mateu Alemany has made no secret of his desire to seal a permanent deal: “The player would like to continue and has said so.” 

The World Cup is only going to increase his worth, and having been selected for Portugal’s 23-man squad, Guedes will join Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. as they bid to add the World Cup trophy to the European Championship they won two-years ago. 

He’s only got seven caps to his name, but competing against the likes of Bernardo Silva, Ricardo Quaresma and AC Milan's Andre Silva, Guedes will be itching to make his mark on the world stage. 

He’s been dubbed Portugal’s heir to Ronaldo’s throne, and given time, that may well ring true. 

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