Fulham and West Ham United will reportedly look to sign veteran Italian midfielder Marco Verratti in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Marco Verratti wants to return to Europe in the summer transfer window. Three Premier League clubs are vying for the veteran midfielder’s signature, with Fulham and West Ham United competing with Bournemouth for the Al-Arabi star. However, the thought of playing in Serie A also appeals to the 55-cap Italian international.
Marco Verratti and his career so far
Marco Verratti has been a household name in the last dozen years. A native of Pescara, he spent his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the youth division at Delfino Pescara 1936. However, the veteran midfielder rose in prominence during his spell with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 32-year-old midfielder enjoyed tremendous success at PSG, winning two and a half dozen trophies. However, Verratti shocked many when he left the Ligue 1 champions to move to Qatar in September 2023, joining Al-Arabi SC. Since then, the experienced midfielder has enjoyed a solid spell with the Qatari outfit.
The 55-cap Italian international has turned out 34 times while chipping in with two goals and 12 assists. Meanwhile, despite Verratti’s advancing years, his stock in the market remains high, with the player keen on returning to Europe after two years in Qatar. Fulham and West Ham United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Fulham’s interest in Marco Verratti is understandable. The Cottagers are in a spot of bother over Andreas Pereira’s long-term future amid his recent links with Palmeiras. So, Fulham can do with a new midfielder, with Verratti emerging as a viable target.
As for West Ham United, Guido Rodriguez and Tomas Soucek face an uncertain future at the London Stadium. In addition, it is unclear if Carlos Soler will complete a permanent move in the summer transfer window. So, Verratti is an option worth considering for West Ham.
Apart from Fulham and West Ham, Bournemouth and Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in Verratti. However, the prospect of returning to Italy for an adventure in Serie A before he winds down his career appeals to the 55-cap international.
