Liverpool are reportedly planning to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti as Jurgen Klopp continues his midfield rebuild.
The Reds have already added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to their midfield ranks for a combined £95 million this summer, but Jurgen Klopp isn’t finished there. There is every chance for a third midfielder arriving at Anfield, especially with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho closing in on moves to Saudi Arabian clubs.
According to L’Equipe (h/t Marca), Liverpool are ready to battle with Atletico Madrid for the signing of Marco Verratti, who is valued at around €70 million by Paris Saint-Germain.
Verratti, 30, has been linked with an exit despite his undoubted importance in the PSG project in recent years, with the Ligue 1 champions looking to refresh their squad. The central midfielder has been a mainstay for PSG and Italy for a long time now, and if he is made available for a lower fee, Liverpool would be interested in his signature.
However, as the Italy international does have three years remaining on his PSG contract, he is unlikely to be available on cheap.
Marco Verratti to Liverpool—A sensational signing?
Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo all left Anfield at the end of last season following the expiration of their contracts. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s midfield duo Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are on the brink of moving to Saudi Arabia, leaving Jurgen Klopp in search of replacements.
PSG midfielder Marco Verratti has emerged as a potential option, with the French champions looking to sell one of their most experienced players in this transfer window. The 30-year-old has been at the top of his game for what feels like forever with PSG, playing over 400 times and winning 30 trophies with the club.
The Italy international is a technical wizard with great close control and dribbling skills, and he would undoubtedly enhance the Liverpool midfield. Indeed, he would be an immediate replacement for both Henderson and Fabinho. However, given how the Reds operate in the transfer market, it would not align with their principles to sign a world-class player at the peak of his powers.
Jurgen Klopp is aiming to lower the average age of his squad this window, having allowed Milner to depart with Fabinho and Henderson soon to follow suit. However, he can have an exception with the signing of Verratti as he could be a game-changing signing for Liverpool this window.
The ex-Pescara man is an incredible player and would be able to make an instant impact at Liverpool. He is a serial winner and would be a great leader for the Reds, on the pitch and off it. The Italian’s extensive experience and winning mentality would be a major boost for the Merseyside giants and allow the likes of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai the freedom to flourish as creative 8s.
Thus, Liverpool should go all out for the signing of Verratti, who after loyally serving PSG for more than a decade could be open to a new adventure.