Saudi Arabia’s football revolution continues to make waves as the country sets its sights on another high-profile target. With a passion for the sport that knows no bounds, Saudi clubs are determined to elevate the standard of football and media coverage in the Saudi Pro League, and their latest ambition involves tempting Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Marco Verratti, with an irresistible offer.
In an audacious move, representatives from Al-Hilal have made their way to the bustling streets of Paris, aiming to entice both PSG and Verratti to leave the European football scene behind and embark on a sensational journey to the Middle East.
This comes shortly after their visit to the French capital to persuade Romelu Lukaku to join their ranks. Now, their focus has shifted to securing another superstar. Despite Verratti’s contract with Parc des Princes running until June 2026, the Saudi club’s financial prowess could sway the French champions to give serious thought to this proposal.
According to respected sports outlet L’Equipe, Al-Hilal is prepared to offer the 30-year-old midfielder an astonishing annual salary of $55 million!
While no official offer has been presented to PSG’s owners thus far, reports suggest that Verratti is indeed enticed by the prospect. Sources close to the Italian international reveal that he recently engaged in discussions about a potential move with fellow PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe during a lavish dinner in the picturesque city of Cannes.
Meanwhile, PSG’s football advisor, Luis Campos, doesn’t view Verratti as an indispensable asset and is open to utilizing the freed-up budget to pursue alternative targets.
However, the arrival of Luis Enrique as PSG’s new head coach could potentially tip the scales. The Spanish tactician, widely expected to succeed Christophe Galtier, has never been shy about his admiration for Verratti’s playing style, openly expressing his appreciation in public forums.
Al-Hilal will undoubtedly need to employ all their powers of persuasion, as they have done previously in securing talents such as Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea and Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves from Wolverhampton. Their substantial financial resources serve as a formidable advantage during any negotiation. Marco Verratti, take note!
The ambitions of Saudi Arabia’s football revolution seem boundless, and if successful in their pursuit of Verratti, it would mark yet another milestone in their quest to transform the sporting landscape in the region. As the football world eagerly watches this captivating saga unfold, the allure of the Middle East’s riches and the potential for a new chapter in Verratti’s career could prove irresistible.