Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has warned the Red Devils against a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti, who looks set to be ousted by the French giants this summer.
Verratti – who’s been at PSG for 11 years following a £10m move from Pescara – has endured his worst season at the Parc des Princes, contributing just one assist with no goals in 35 appearances.
And according to reports in France, PSG are ready to let the 30-year-old leave this summer.
Le Parisien and Actu Foot (via Football Italia) detail the reasons behind PSG ‘losing patience’ with Verratti, which boil down to him being ‘overpaid and overweight’.
PSG weren’t at all happy when Verratti returned to the club after the 2022 World Cup, which Italy didn’t qualify for, significantly overweight.
And that was considered ‘unforgivable’ given he had just agreed a new and improved contract worth €1m per month gross.
The midfielder could earn a hell of a lot more than that if he leaves PSG, with reports claiming Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are prepared to offer Verratti a whopping €80 million per year contract.
But the Italy international may well opt to stay in Europe, and with Erik ten Hag thought to be keen on adding further central midfield recruits to his Manchester United squad this summer, a move to Old Trafford could be on the cards.
But Silvestre has warned his old club against signing Verratti, as he believes Ten Hag and the United transfer team should be targeting younger players to “build to the future” with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Buno Fernandes getting on.
Silvestre told bettingexpert: “I like Marco Verratti a lot as a player. He’s fantastic whenever he plays for PSG or for the national team but I think Manchester United has to go for younger players and build for the future.”
“You already have Casemiro and Christian Eriksen who are in their early 30s and Bruno is approaching his 30s soon.”
“So you need much younger players to build for the future.”
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