Marco Verratti has completed a transfer to Qatari side Al Arabi for a fee worth €45 million to PSG. He was excluded from their Champions League squad in the days leading up to his exit from the French capital, suggesting that his time at the club was towards the end.
The midfielder also had interest from Al Ahli and Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and Atletico Madrid, but a transfer has not materialised since PSG are determined to not let him go for a lower price than their valuation.
Al Ahli did not open formal talks to sign the player despite reports, while Atletico Madrid backed out over his asking price. Al Hilal agreed personal terms with the Italian, and had two bids rejected for the player. They have signed Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves and Neymar to bolster their midfield positions this summer but have yet to add Verratti.
Al Arabi sign Marco Verratti from PSG
The Italian was a mainstay in PSG’s midfield over the last decade, since his arrival from Pescara.
PSG have offloaded Leandro Paredes and Renato Sanches this summer, and could part ways with Verratti as well. They have signed Manuel Ugarte, Lee in-Kang to bolster their midfield while Carlos Soler also remains a possible option for Luis Enrique to consider.
Marco Verratti will be joined in Qatar by Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho with the Brazilian set to join Al Duhail.
