Footballing world was sent into red alert as reports surfaced that Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is willing to leave the French capital this summer and will look for opportunities elsewhere. The 24-year-old Italian international has been one of the hottest prospects in the transfer windows for many years now and many European clubs are already prepping up a bid for the player.
Although La Liga outfit Barcelona are one of his prime suitors who haven’t shied away from admiring his tremendous ability, Premier League giants Manchester United have also eyed him as a cherished target for some years now. And given the lengths they did go last season to land Juventus star Paul Pogba, none will be surprised if they initiate a bid to meet his whopping £70.5 million price tag.
Despite bringing in the likes of Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, United have experienced a largely underwhelming season on the domestic front the last term with the side managing only a sixth-place finish. Their surprise inability to create chances in the attacking third led United to play 15 draws in the Premier League, more than the relegated side Middlesbrough.
Now with Ibrahimovic released and Wayne Rooney a possible departure too, manager Jose Mourinho is again willing to break the club’s treasury this summer. And one of his prime targets will be to find a perfect partner for the towering Frenchman in the middle of the park. Pogba was often singled out in the midfield with limited movements last season and while Ander Herrera did help to a large extent by soaking the pressure, Mourinho found no backups for the duo.
Verratti is undoubtedly one of the best additions for that role with his ability to hold the ball and find the key pass from deep in midfield. He has been an intricate player for Unai Emery’s side last term and even with the star-studded side that PSG has, Verratti’s place was hardly ever compromised.
An academy product of Italian club Pescara, Verratti moved to PSG back in 2010 for a mere £10million. He has developed phenomenally since then and would be a brilliant addition for any side now. Although he has managed just four goals and eight assists in all competitions for PSG, he has been vitally involved in most of their goals.
Reports claim that he is not happy only challenging for the domestic silverware. He has won a total of 15 trophies in five seasons, which include four Ligue 1 titles, and the Champions League is what he wants now. Although United have all the means to get him, Barcelona could prove to be a huge hindrance, who are reportedly eyeing a £88 million bid for the player. So should Mourinho outbid Barca for Verratti?
