Jose Mourinho declined to sign £200 million double transfer
Jose Mourinho has declined to sign in a planned £200 million double transfer
Jose Mourinho has declined to sign in a planned £200 million double transfer
Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was hesitant to pursue an ambitious transfer for Marco Verratti in 2018, but the midfielder is now set to leave PSG.
Marco Verratti is set to leave French giants Paris Saint-Germain to join Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League, despite being overlooked by Jose Mourinho for years. Verratti, 30, has been at the Parc des Princes since signing from Pescara in 2012, but has been extensively linked with a move all summer.
While various clubs from across Europe, including Liverpool, have been linked with Verratti’s talents, the sought-after midfield maestro now appears to be closing in on a surprising move to Qatar. According to multiple sources, Al Arabi has agreed to pay a sum of €45 million (£38.6 million) for the Italy international.
This summer, a slew of high-profile players, including Neymar, Sadio Mane, and Jordan Henderson, relocated to the Middle East. Those significant movements, however, have been to the Saudi Pro League rather than the Qatar Stars League.
Throughout his career, Verratti has been connected with a number of Premier League clubs. Liverpool were connected with him this summer. Although Manchester United were interested in a deal with PSG for his talents in 2018. According to The Manchester Evening News, Ed Woodward, United’s former executive vice-chairman, was planning to launch a £200 million bid for Verratti and Raphael Varane just before stepping down from his role in the club’s recruitment.
Unfortunately, according to the same report, Mourinho was hesitant to pursue either Verratti or Varane. Due to concerns that neither player would be available.
Instead, Mourinho went ahead with a £52 million transfer for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred. Who made 213 appearances for the Red Devils before joining Fenerbahce earlier this summer. Verratti has achieved consistent success during his PSG career, winning Ligue 1 nine times. Four of which came following a rejected move to Manchester United
While Mourinho deemed a double deal for Verratti and Varane as unrealistic at the time. Varane would eventually find his way to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021. He completed a £34m switch from Real Madrid and is currently a key member of Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Varane has subsequently made 66 appearances for Manchester United
Despite being troubled by injuries during his stint in the Premier League. The Frenchman is now out with an undisclosed ailment.
