Paris Saint-Germain legend Marco Verratti is set to seal a move to Al Arabi in Qatar, sources have confirmed to 90min.
Verratti has held extensive talks with PSG and new boss Luis Enrique about his future, deciding now is the time to bring down the curtain on his glittering career at Parc des Princes. Over 11 years, the Italian has played 416 games and won 21 trophies, including nine Ligue 1 titles.
90min understands that Enrique was keen for 30-year-old Verratti to remain, but the player’s mind was made up after becoming unsettled over the summer treatment of his former and current team-mates, primarily Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Verratti was the subject of enquiries from clubs around Europe with Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid among those keeping a watching brief on the situation. But he showed little desire to remain in his home continent.
A move to Saudi Arabia was considered and offers came in, but Verratti has opted for Qatar instead. A transfer fee is in place, with Al Arabi agreeing to pay €45m (£38.5m), and an overal deal is close.
Remarkably, Verratti on course to finish his career without ever playing in Serie A, having started out with hometown club Pescara in Serie B before moving to France as a teenager in 2012.
The Qatari Stars League has previously been home to some of the world’s most famous players at the tail end of their career, including Xavi, Pep Guardiola, Fernando Hierro, Gabriel Batistuta and Marcel Desailly. Already this summer, Philippe Coutinho has joined Al Duhail on loan from Aston Villa.
The summer transfer window in Qatar remains open until 18 September.
What we know
- PSG agree to sell Marco Verratti for €45m transfer fee
- Midfielder to join Al Arabi in Qatar Stars League
- Man City & Chelsea were among interested European clubs