Liverpool reportedly have the opportunity to sign former Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti, who could represent an alternative to Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Liverpool have reportedly been offered the chance to sign former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.
The 31-year-old is currently plying his trade in the Middle East, employed by Al-Arabi of the Qatari Stars League after securing a £39m move last summer.
In doing so, Verratti concluded an 11-year stay at Parc des Princes, where he made 416 appearances for PSG, winning Ligue 1 on nine occasions and lifting the Coupe de France six times.
The midfielder has impeccable international pedigree, having earnt 55 caps for Italy since his debut in 2012, helping Roberto Mancini‘s troops to Euro 2020 glory three years ago.
Verratti started his professional career in the second and third tiers of Italian football at Pescara, for whom he made 68 appearances and scored once.
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Liverpool ‘offered’ chance to sign Verratti following Zubimendi snub
According to HITC, Liverpool are one of four Premier League clubs who have been handed the chance to bring Verratti back to Europe from Qatari football this summer.
The report claims that although the Reds are not actively pursuing any deals at this stage, they could pounce if the right opportunity presents itself.
Liverpool are arguably in need of a new midfielder, especially following Martin Zubimendi‘s decision to reject a move to Anfield in order to remain in La Liga.
The Reds’ new head coach Arne Slot has the same agent as ex-PSG star Verratti, who could be open to a move back to European football before the end of the window.
As well as the Merseyside club, it understood that Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City have also been alerted to the availability of Verratti.
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Would Verratti be a good fit for Liverpool?
With a move for Zubimendi breaking down at the last moment, Liverpool are back to the drawing board as they look to bolster their defensive-midfield options.
Verratti was a stalwart at the top level of European football for over a decade before being tempted by the riches of the Qatari Stars League 12 months ago.
Failing to make Italy’s squad for Euro 2024, it is clear that the midfielder is slowing down and would not represent a long-term solution for the Reds.
A number of clubs in Serie A have also supposedly been offered the chance to sign Verratti, who might not necessarily view a transfer to Anfield as a fairytale end to his career.