Premier League giants Manchester United, Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal have been offered the chance to pursue Marco Verratti with the Paris Saint-Germain legend potentially on his way back to Europe.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
During the summer of 2023, the Italian icon became the latest big name to leave European football behind for the financial riches of the Middle East.
Marco Verratti moved not to Saudi Arabia but to Qatar. He joined Al-Arabi to the tune of nearly £39 million alongside former PSG team-mate Abdou Diallo, per BBC Sport.
But just one year on, HITC understands that the most decorated footballer in Paris Saint-Germain’s history has been offered to a number of continental giants. It is believed that he could be tempted by a move, with just one year left on his Al-Arabi contract.
HITC have been told that intermediaries have contacted a number of different teams claiming that Verratti may be available, even if it is yet to be confirmed whether or not he is really keen on leaving the Qatari Stars League.
Marco Verratti offered to Manchester City and Arsenal
English giants Manchester United, Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal are among those who have been made aware of Verratti’s potential availability, as well as a various teams in his native Italy.
It remains to be seen if any of those aforementioned Premier League giants will bite.
The highly-unpopular Glazers have pursued many an experienced big-name over the years at Old Trafford. But with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos pulling the strings now, the days of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Bastian Schweinsteiger and a 36-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo appear to be over.
Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal have, meanwhile, broken from tradition at times when proven trophy-winners have become available. See Thiago Alcantara, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho.
Verratti is still only 31 years of age. He could have half a decade left at the very highest level, presuming that his talents have not been diminished by a year strolling around Qatar against far weaker opposition than he was used to going head-to-head with.
Verratti has never been the fastest player, relying more upon his supreme intelligence and technical ability. A patient, possession-based set-up like the one preferred by Pep Guardiola could still suit the 55-cap Azzurri veteran down to the ground.
Lionel Messi is a huge fan of Al-Arabi ace
“He’s one of the best midfielders in the world, and plays a little bit in the same way as I tried to,” Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez said, via The Athletic.
“He likes having the ball. He also has perfect mastery over long and short passing, he can play the final ball, and he doesn’t lose it easily. He’s really a very high-class player.”
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, was delighted to work with Verratti at the Parc des Princes after being denied such an opportunity while at the Camp Nou.
“Marco Verratti has shown that he is a huge player. One of the best in the world in his position,” Messi said when joining PSG back in 2021, per Goal. “He is a phenomenon.
“He was wanted in Barcelona, but now it is the reverse and it is me coming to him in Paris.”
Veratti won a remarkable nine Ligue 1 titles with PSG. In total, his personal trophy haul stands at a staggering 32.
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