Roland Cutinho
Manchester United face an intense battle with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in their pursuit of signing Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti
According to French outlet L’Equipe (h/t the Mirror), Manchester United and Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli are both battling it out in the race to sign Italian midfielder Marco Verratti this summer.
Despite the 30-year-old Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star having agreed to personal terms with the Middle Eastern club, a transfer fee has yet to be finalised.
However, it is stated that United could potentially swoop in with a late bid for Verratti.
The Red Devils are feeling the pressure to strengthen their midfield after a disappointing 2-0 Premier League loss to Tottenham Hotspur, where they struggled in midfield for the second consecutive game.
United icon Gary Neville has urged the club to sign a new defensive midfielder to complement Casemiro. The club presently possess a top-tier defensive midfielder in Casemiro, although the Brazilian has had a sluggish beginning to the season and must upgrade his performance in upcoming matches.
From our perspective, the team requires a robust alternative who can either stand in for him or partner with him.
While Verratti boasts extensive experience, with 416 appearances for PSG, we believe that United should explore other options as well.
The Ligue 1 star, who will soon turn 31, isn’t a long-term solution, and PSG are unlikely to let him go at a low cost. They previously turned down an initial offer from Al-Hilal, holding out for €60m (£51m) for his transfer.
The Saudi side has the financial power to match that price, and the Red Devils would be smart enough to avoid a bidding war, as they won’t be able to go toe-to-toe with their rivals at this moment.
While Verratti could provide a solid short-term solution for United, we personally believe the club should pursue Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.
He’s nearly four years younger than Verratti. While they both possess different qualities, Amrabat excels in distribution and ball control, making him an ideal player to partner with Casemiro in the midfield.
The recent links with the Italian star have no concrete base, whereas Amrabat has been a player who has been at the top of the wish list this summer.
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In any case, the Red Devils absolutely need a No. 6 who can bridge the gap in the midfield instantly.
