Barcelona’s Pursuit of Former PSG Veteran Unlikely to Improve Team, Expert Says

Last summer, Paris Saint-Germain bid farewell to Marco Verratti, a key figure in their midfield, as he departed for Qatari club Al-Arabi. Now, after a season in Qatar, the veteran may be eyeing a return to Europe.

Al-Arabi’s acquisition of Verratti for a reported €45 million marked the end of his 11-year tenure with PSG in the French capital. Despite previous interest from FC Barcelona, the Parisians had consistently refrained from selling the 2020 UEFA Euro winner to any European club.

A recent report from SPORT reveals that Barcelona are interested in signing Verratti after the midfielder has spent one season in Qatari football. Amid this news, one expert is weighing in on the veteran midfielder returning to Europe.

CBS Sports reporter Jonathan Johnson spoke exclusively to PSG Talk and believes that Verratti heading to the Catalan side has come and gone. 

“In terms of Verratti being on Barcelona’s radar, sure, maybe he’s on their radar, but Verratti is not going to come cheap, and he’s been away from European football now for the best part of a year,” Johnson said. “I think the moment for Verratti and Barcelona has come and gone. Honestly, I don’t see what he would really bring that they don’t already have these days.”

It will be interesting to see if Barcelona, who are still in a tight financial situation can get a bargain price from Al-Arabi. The 31-year-old has a contract until 2025, and Transfermarkt puts Verratti’s transfer value at €25 million.