PSG Legend Set to Join Qatar Side Despite Strong Saudi Arabia Links

• Marco Verratti is set to complete his transfer to Qatari side Al-Arabi
• The midfielder has been at Paris Saint-Germain since 2012 but is surplus to requirements at the Paris-based club
• The Italian has been linked with Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia

After 11 years at Paris Saint-Germain, Marco Verratti is close to selling his shock permanent transfer to Qatar to join Al-Arabi for €45 million.

Verratti was expected to move to Saudi Arabia just like many other footballers from European clubs, but the Italian is the second high-profile player to move to Qatar.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that the former Pescara star will travel to Doha in the next 24 hours to seal the move after PSG and Al-Arabi reached a verbal agreement.

Verratti has been with the club since 2012 and immediately became a fan favourite at Parce de Princes. However, according to multiple reports, the 30-year-old was told by new PSG manager Luis Enrique he is not part of his plans despite having a deal with the club until 2026.

Qatari club Al-Arabi joins race to sign PSG midfielder Marco Verratti

Football

Despite going with the club on their pre-season tour of Asia, he has not featured in Ligue 1 this season. He was strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.

Verrati's time at PSG

Verratti joined PSG in 2012 from Italian side Pescara and played there since. He has made 416 appearances for the club and scored 11 goals whilst adding 61 assists, per Transfermarkt.

He won the French Ligue 1 nine times, but the Champions League trophy evaded him in Paris.

The Italian was considered one of the best midfielders in the world and even attracted the attention of Barcelona, who attempted to sign him but failed.

Verratti pays tribute to Messi

Sports Brief earlier reported on Lionel Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, reacting to the PSG superstar’s post on Instagram, in which he paid Messi a tribute.

Verratti joined other Parisian stars like Neymar Junior and Kylian Mbappe in bidding the veteran farewell as he prepares to leave France once his contract ends soon.

Messi decided against renewing his contract with PSG and joined Inter Miami.