Marco Verratti Completes Move to Al-Arabi from PSG
Italian midfielder Marco Verratti has officially joined Qatari side Al-Arabi from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The move comes after it was reported by The Athletic that Verratti was not part of PSG’s plans for the upcoming season under new head coach Luis Enrique. The 30-year-old has signed a deal with Al-Arabi worth approximately £39 million.
Verratti, who had also attracted interest from Saudi Pro League’s Al Ahli, made the decision to join Al-Arabi despite signing a new four-year contract with PSG just last December. The contract would have kept him at the Parisian club until the end of the 2025-26 campaign. However, with Enrique taking over as head coach in July, PSG made it clear that they were shifting their focus towards younger talent and moving away from big-name signings.
Verratti’s departure from PSG marks another high-profile exit for the club this summer, following the departures of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Sergio Ramos. The Italian midfielder joined PSG in 2012 from Serie B side Pescara, shortly after Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) completed its takeover of the club. That same summer, PSG also signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
During his time at PSG, Verratti made 416 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals. He played a crucial role in helping the team secure nine Ligue 1 titles, six French cups, six French League Cups, and nine French Super Cups.
PSG’s next match is against Nice at the Parc des Princes on Friday, where they will have to adjust to life without Verratti and their other departed stars. The club’s new direction under Enrique will undoubtedly bring about changes and opportunities for younger players to shine.
Verratti’s move to Al-Arabi represents a new chapter in his career, as he seeks to make an impact in the Qatari league. The midfielder’s experience and technical abilities will undoubtedly be valuable assets for his new team.
As for PSG, their focus on developing young talent and building for the future is evident. The departures of Verratti, Messi, Neymar, and Ramos signal a shift in the club’s strategy, as they look to create a sustainable and successful team for years to come.
It remains to be seen how PSG will fare without their star players, but the club’s history and resources suggest that they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in French and European football. The upcoming season will be an opportunity for young talents to step up and prove themselves on the big stage.
In conclusion, Marco Verratti’s move from PSG to Al-Arabi marks another significant departure for the French club this summer. PSG’s decision to focus on younger talent and distance themselves from glamour signings has led to the exit of several high-profile players. Verratti’s experience and contributions to PSG’s success over the years will be missed, but his move presents an exciting opportunity for him to make an impact in Qatar. PSG, on the other hand, will look to build a new era under Luis Enrique and continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory with a fresh crop of talented players.