Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has completed a move to Qatari side Al-Arabi from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a reported fee of around £38.7 million (€45 million).
This transfer marks Verratti’s departure from PSG, where he had been a key figure for over a decade.
Verratti joined PSG in the summer of 2012 from Italian Serie B side Pescara, shortly after Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) took over the club. During his time at PSG, he made 416 appearances across all competitions and played a vital role in the club’s success. Verratti helped PSG win nine Ligue 1 titles, six French Cups, six French League Cups, and nine French Super Cups.
In addition to his club achievements,Marco Verratti was a crucial part of the Italian national team’s success, playing a key role in their victory at the UEFA European Championship in 2020.
The move to Al-Arabi follows PSG’s shift in focus towards younger talent under head coach Luis Enrique. The club made it clear that they were moving away from an era of high-profile signings, which led to the departures of several notable players, including Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Sergio Ramos during the summer transfer window.
Verratti’s transfer to Qatar follows a trend of European-based players making moves to the Middle East in recent years. Philippe Coutinho, another high-profile player, joined Qatari side Al-Duhail on a season-long loan from Aston Villa just a week before Verratti’s transfer.
Verratti expressed his pride in wearing PSG’s colors for over a decade and thanked the club and its supporters. He also mentioned that Paris would always hold a special place in his heart.
In Qatar, Marco Verratti will be reunited with former PSG teammate Rafinha, who played alongside him in Paris from 2020 to 2022.
READ ALSO: “Harry Maguire Deserves Respect” – Southgate Lashes Out at Criticism and Jeers
