By Kim Min-cheol Reporter= Following Neymar, another Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player is being linked with a possible departure.
“Atletico Madrid still have hopes of signing Marco Verratti,” Spanish media outlet Marca reported on the 16th (KST).
Verratti is one of PSG’s most iconic players. Since joining the club in 2012, he has established himself as an integral part of the team, scoring 11 goals and providing 61 assists in 416 games.
The following season, his position was solidified. PSG coach Luis Enrique was expected to use Verratti in a starting midfield alongside Lee Kang-In and Manuel Ugarte.
He was also expected to serve as a mentor to Lee. Verratti’s extensive experience as a midfielder with PSG and the Italian national team was expected to help the youngster grow.
The relationship between the two sides took a sudden turn for the worse. PSG excluded Verratti from first-team training with Neymar ahead of kickoff. Verratti was nowhere to be seen at the media day.
He also missed the opening game. Verratti’s departure from the club’s opening game of the 2023/2024 Ligue 1 season against Lorient on Sept. 13 has been confirmed.
Al Hilal has emerged as the likely next destination. Multiple outlets have weighed in on the speculation that Verratti will follow Neymar to Al Hilal.
It’s not without contingencies. According to the report, Atletico have been eyeing a move for Verratti since the injury to key midfielder Koke.온라인바카
This isn’t the first time Atletico have shown interest in Verratti. Diego Simeone, who is known to be a big fan of the player, has been trying to sign him since last month.
The problem is the transfer fee. PSG want 60 million euros ($87.4 million) for Verratti. The general consensus is that this is an amount that financially strapped Atletico cannot afford.
Atletico is hoping that PSG will lower the transfer fee. “Atletico are expecting PSG to lower the transfer fee for Verratti as the transfer window closes,” the outlet said.