Paris Saint Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is reportedly closing in on a move to Al-Ahli, which will be a huge blow for their rivals Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
The Italian midfielder has been linked with a move to the Middle East all summer long, but a move to Al-Hilal always seemed more likely.
However, it now seems the midfielder will be heading to Matthias Jaissle’s Al-Ahli in what would be a huge boost for the Saudi side as they bid to be involved in the title race this season.
The report from French outlet L’Equipe says the Euro 2020 winner has reached an agreement over a contract with Al-Ahli, as has already been the case with Al-Hilal – the club where Neymar now plays.
Verratti was among the group of players who were told by club management to find new teams at the start of the month.
With Paris Saint-Germain, he has won a record nine French titles and featured 412 times in all competitions.
Is a club-to-club agreement close?
As mentioned, personal terms have already been agreed upon with a Saudi side, but that side was Al-Hilal. Al-Ahli, who have been on the market looking for midfield depth, could well be about to hijack the deal to sign the Italian midfielder as they have agreed terms with the player themselves.
The report from the French outlet claims that both Saudi sides are still ‘pushing’ for the signature of the 30-year-old midfielder, but German champions Bayern Munich are also reportedly circling around the Parc Des-Princes.
The printed version of L’Equipe also, rather bizarrely, claims that Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United can’t be ruled out in the race to sign the former Pescara midfielder.
The race is seemingly on between the two Saudi sides for the signature of the rather injury-prone midfielder but one who could be a superb signing for either side.