Marco Verratti contemplates his PSG future amid Juventus links

Long-serving Paris Saint-Germain stalwart Marco Verratti reportedly considers leaving Ligue 1 after a decade amid growing interest from Juventus. 

According to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo, the Italian midfielder has fallen out of favour at the Parc des Princes following his nightmarish display against Bayern Munich. 

Verratti has come under heavy scrutiny after his two mistakes in the return leg of PSG’s Champions League last-16 tie against the Bavarians saw his side go 2-0 down in Germany. 

Even though Christophe Galtier’s men are seemingly heading towards a record-breaking 11th Ligue 1 title, another premature Champions League exit has not gone down well with fans and the club hierarchy. 

And while Galtier’s mercurial frontline failed to find the net in both legs against Julian Nagelsmann’s high-flyers, Verratti’s rookie mistakes have made him the main culprit for PSG’s continental embarrassment. 

Ever since moving to the Parc des Princes from Pescara in 2012, the 30-year-old has been an omnipresent figure in the starting line-up under an array of managers.

However, despite maintaining his indispensable first-team status under Galtier, Verratti reportedly considers departing Paris after finding himself on the receiving end of harsh criticism from the media and fans. 

The deep-lying midfielder left his homeland without ever gracing top-tier football, as he made a name for himself during Pescara’s promotion-winning 2011/12 Serie B campaign. 

Serie A waiting in the wings

Record-time Serie A champions Juventus have set their sights on Verratti, whose contract at PSG runs out in 2026.

Though it means the Turin heavyweights may have to break the bank to lure him back to Italy, the player’s desire to cut ties with Les Parisiens could aid their cause.

Massimiliano Allegri is keen to revamp his midfield options at the end of the season, regardless of the fact his men are likely to miss out on Champions League football after January’s point deduction. 

Signing a player of Verratti’s stature would be a statement of intent that could help re-establish the Bianconeri as genuine Scudetto contenders after a few disappointing seasons.

Despite Juventus’ off-field problems, the Allianz Stadium is still one of the most attractive destinations in Italy, and the Pescara-born star may not stay immune to their calling.