PSG set to axe 'overweight' star

Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain are set to okay a summer departure for star midfielder Marco Verratti after the Italian presented the club with a number of problems this season. 

Verratti has been at the Paris club for 11 years and has been one of the club’s most consistent performers during his time at the club, except for this season when the Italian appeared to be disillusioned with life at Les Parisiens and displayed some out-of-character traits. 

PSG’s crux with the former Pescara midfielder appears to centre around his sudden weight gain after the club resumed following the mid-season break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Verratti did not partake as Italy did not qualify. 

Verratti is expected to be one of the leaders of the PSG team after spending 11 years at the club. 

He is one of the most recognised stars and also one of the highest-paid players at the club, so his transgressions are believed to be especially grievous to the PSG hierarchy, which could be set to cut the Italian midfielder loose this summer. 

Verratti’s performances for PSG this season have also come under question, with many believing that the midfielder has been a level or two below his high standards.

The Italy international has also been linked with an exit as he is also unsatisfied with the current happenings at PSG, with Verratti thought to be upset at the treatment of Lionel Messi and Neymar. 

With both parties seemingly uninterested in continuing their relationship, PSG and Verratti could be set to part ways despite the midfielder having a contract until 2026. 

No clubs have come forward for Verratti’s signature, but a move in the summer can not be ruled out.