Image courtesy: marco_verratti92/ Instagram
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has left their midfield maestro, Marco Verratti, out of their Champions League squad. The decision was not unexpected as it appears to be linked to the Italian midfielder’s rumored move to the Qatari side Al Arabi for a staggering transfer fee ranging from €45 to €50 million.
Verratti, who has been a starter in PSG’s midfield since his arrival in 2012, has been the heartbeat of the team. His exceptional ball control, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game have made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. Therefore, the news of his exclusion from the Champions League squad has raised questions about the future of the experienced player at PSG.
The speculation surrounding Verratti’s departure gained momentum in recent weeks as reports of negotiations between PSG and Al Arabi intensified. The Qatari side, backed by huge financial resources, seems determined to take the Italian international to the Middle East. If the transfer goes through, it would mark a significant departure from the Parisian club for a player who has spent over a decade at the Parc des Princes.