Marco Verratti’s eleventh season at Paris Saint-Germain has not gone to plan. A string of poor performances, both in the league and on the European stage, have seen the team’s longest-serving player face increasing criticism.
According to L’Équipe this afternoon, the Italian international is now considering leaving the French capital, despite signing a new contract midway through the campaign which would see him stay until 2026.
The 30-year-old is said to be longing for the time when the PSG dressing room had authoritative figures such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, and was struck by the lack of commitment of some of his teammates after the defeat to Monaco in February.
PSG, meanwhile, were unimpressed by Verratti’s return from the World Cup break this season, while the former Pescara man himself does not believe the recent fan protests targeting players are justified, and has also found the two-week suspension of Lionle Messi to be harsh.
In the midst of this commotion, Verratti has reportedly explained that he is not enjoying himself anymore. He is said to have asked the upper management what their reaction would be if a transfer offer came in. While club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is against his departure, sporting advisor Luís Campos would not necessarily stand in Verratti’s way.
There is interest from Saudi Arabia for a potential summer move, although Verratti himself is not particularly keen on the prospect. Inter Miami are another option, but the Italian is not entirely convinced either. While a return to Italy is probably out of financial reach for Serie A’s big clubs, reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid could emerge as a solution for the midfielder – but it remains to be seen whether his compatriot will still be in the dugout next season.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
