Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Marco Verratti has reportedly rejected a big-money offer from a Saudi club in favor of staying put.
Verratti had been a recent target of Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and Al Hilal. At 31 years old, Verratti has seen his glory days in France come and gone, and UEFA Champions League (UCL) challenges have been thwarted repeatedly over the past 11 years. He appeared to be joining a wave of players heading to Saudi Arabia, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, both PSG and Verratti were keen on the move. PSG demanded a transfer fee of €70 million. Verratti recently signed a new contract with PSG and has three years left on it. PSG’s position was that it was a fair asking price.
The variable was the new coach, Luis Enrique. There were reports that Verratti’s departure was imminent, with reports suggesting that he didn’t fit in with Enrique’s tactical and coaching style.
However, French daily L’Equipe reported that Verratti has decided to stay after speaking with the coaching staff and the club.
This will be Verratti’s 12th season at PSG. Back in 2012, Verratti was a rising star with Pescara in the Italian Serie B (second division). Despite his lack of first-team experience, PSG took a chance on him and made him the centerpiece of their rebuild. Verratti has been with PSG every step of the way as they’ve developed and competed as a global powerhouse.
If Verratti were to leave, new signing Lee Kang-In would likely be used more in the midfield. If he stays, Luis Enrique will have to think about how the two will coexist. The roles of Verratti, a diligent passer, and Lee, a more aggressive attacker, don’t overlap. However, neither player is very big, so they need to compensate in the strength department.메이저놀이터
Meanwhile, the Italian national team will be relieved that Verratti, who is still a mainstay, is not traveling to the Middle East.