In a major twist, Qatari club Al Arabi are gearing up to submit an official bid for Paris Saint Germain (PSG) star Marco Verratti. The 30-year-old midfielder had reportedly expressed a desire to leave Paris this summer with many clubs interested in him.
Verratti had also reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi side Al Hilal a month ago but no official official bid came PSG’s way. Verratti was also linked to another Saudi club Al Ahli but the rumours were off the mark, according to multiple sources. Some reports also mentioned Manchester United, who are looking for a midfielder before the window closes, being interested in signing Verratti but no approaches were made.
With one week left of the transfer window, reports are now emerging that Verratti might be off to Qatar with Al Arabi set to submit a bid. Al Arabi finished last season two points behind champions Al-Duhail and are looking to strengthen their side in a bid to win the Qatar Stars League.
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Can Qatar be the next Saudi?
Interestingly, the Qatar Stars League is also attracting stars. This comes at a time when the Saudi Pro League has roped in some of the biggest names of world football by splashing huge amounts of cash. Can QSL undertake a similar strategy and be successful? It will be tough for the previous World Cup hosts to invest as big as Saudi Arabia but the process has started.
PSG’s mass exodus
From PSG’s point of view, Verratti’s potential departure will mark yet another chapter in the exodus that began at PSG this summer. With Neymar going to Al Hilal, Messi moving to Miami, and Mbappe having one foot out of the door, Verratti’s departure will encourage PSG to approach the new season with a different core than last year. With the most big names gone, PSG will definitely look to add some firepower to their line-up before the transfer window closes.
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