PSG star Marco Verratti 'targeted by Saudi football'
PSG midfielder Marco Verratti ‘is the next star being targeted by Saudi football, with official bid lodged’ – and could follow Benzema and Ronaldo
- Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti is wanted by Saudi football, say reports
- The Middle Eastern country has been on a massive recruitment drive recently
- Reports claim the Saudi Ministry of Sports has made an official bid for Verratti
Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti is the latest star targeted by Saudi Arabian football, according to reports.
The controversial Middle Eastern country has been on a massive recruitment drive recently, with striker Karim Benzema leaving Real Madrid to sign for Al-Ittihad on a free transfer in early June.
Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo already plays in the Saudi Pro League, with several top players being linked with hugely lucrative moves to the Gulf state.
And SportItalia have now claimed the Saudi Ministry of Sports has made an ‘official bid’ for the Italian midfielder.
Verratti is believed to be wanted by several clubs, though big-spending Al-Hilal are thought to be showing the most interest.
PSG’s Marco Verratti is the latest star to be targeted by Saudi football, according to reports
Karim Benzema moved from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad, while Cristiano Ronaldo is at Al-Nassr
Verratti’s decision is reported to be expected in the coming days after he finishes Italy duty
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder signed a new contract at the Parc des Princes in December which expires in 2026.
But the club is in turmoil, with manager Christoph Galtier set to leave, superstar Lionel Messi joining MLS side Inter Miami and fellow forwards Kylian Mbappe and Neymar also linked with exits.
Verratti’s response is reportedly expected in the coming days, after completing international duty with the Azzurri.
He played 85 minutes as Roberto Mancini’s side beat Holland 3-2 in the Nations League third-placed play-off.
Al-Hilal had been linked with a mammoth £2billion deal for Messi earlier in the summer transfer window.
Ramon Diaz’s side are also targeting Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who could be set for a shock £47m move with Barcelona failing to firm up their interest.
The news comes after UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin warned Saudi football about signing veterans like Ronaldo and Benzema on massive deals at the end of their careers.
He said: ‘No, no, no. I think that it’s mainly a mistake for Saudi Arabian football. Why is that a problem for them? Because they should invest in academies, they should bring coaches, and they should develop their own players.’
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