Verratti reportedly linked to Inter for January move as club assesses strategy

Reports from Spain linking Marco Verratti with a potential move to Inter Milan in the upcoming transfer window have been refuted by sources in Italy. Tuttosport, a leading Italian sports newspaper, has clarified that this transfer deal is not on the cards due to two significant reasons.

“We can confirm that Marco Verratti will not be heading to Inter,” a report from Tuttosport stated. “The rumour, initially spread by the Spanish daily Marca, suggesting a January move for the Italian midfielder—currently playing for Al-Arabi, a Qatari team struggling at the lower end of the local league—has been promptly denied by Viale della Liberazione.”

Viale della Liberazione, Inter’s headquarters, reiterated that for Verratti to make a debut in Serie A, he would need to explore a different destination.

The report highlights two main obstacles to the deal. Firstly, Verratti’s current contract with Al-Arabi is immensely lucrative. “Verratti’s contract with the Doha-based club guarantees him a net income of €30 million per year until 30th June 2025, which translates to an astonishing hourly rate of €3,400 for the player,” explained the Italian sports outlet.

Secondly, Vereatti’s age is a point of concern. “Born in 1992, Verratti is now 32 years old, which makes him an unlikely target for the reigning champions of Italy,” the report continued. Oaktree, the ownership group, maintains a clear strategy, which is to invest in young, promising talents rather than in older, established professionals.

“Oaktree’s directive is explicit: prioritising investments in younger players with potential over the salaries of seasoned professionals, who are, at least in football terms, entering their twilight years,” Tuttosport elaborated.