Transfer rumor roundup 6/12: Verratti set for PSG departure?
By Nick Pitner
Here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumors surrounding which players could be joining new teams in the coming months.
The biggest transfer news to surface over the weekend came from French outlet L’Equipe, which reported Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti informed the club’s new sporting director he’d like to leave this summer.
After being introduced as Patrick Kluivert’s successor, Antero Henrique intended to meet with Verratti so the two could get to know each other. However, when they ultimately sat down together, Verratti reportedly told PSG’s decision-maker that he sees his future elsewhere.
While Verratti’s desire for a transfer should have all of Europe’s elite on alert, PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi reportedly formally opposes selling Verratti, which complicates matters.
Should Verratti be on his way out of France, it’s thought that Barcelona and Juventus would be his most likely destinations.
Now 24 years old, Verratti arrived at PSG in 2012 and has gone on to claim four Ligue 1 titles while establishing himself as one of the world’s best central midfielders.
Meanwhile, back in Verratti’s home country, AC Milan’s summer spending spree has continued, as they welcomed Porto striker Andre Silva for a medical Monday.
Gianluca Di Marzio details the situation, stating Milan have agreed to pay Porto a €38 million transfer fee ahead of a five-year contract with Silva.
With a break in international duty, Silva flew to Italy on Sunday to conclude talks over his deal, which will see him join Mateo Musacchio, Franck Kessie and Ricardo Rodriguez among Milan’s offseason additions.
Silva is fresh off his breakthrough campaign at Porto, who he led with 21 goals and eight assists in 44 appearances across all competitions this season.
Just 21 years old, the center-forward also sports seven goals through his first eight outings for Portugal’s national team.
Speaking of players leaving Portugal, Manchester United confirmed their capture of Benfica defender Victor Lindelof over the weekend.
Constantly linked with the Red Devils over the past few months, Lindelof is expected to fetch Benfica €35 million, pending his medical and international clearance checks.
In helping Benfica win yet another Portuguese title, Lindelof averaged six defensive actions per game and won 59 percent of his headed duels and 47 percent of his tackle attempts, per Squawka.
With a 90 percent pass completion rate to boot, the 22-year-old Swede figures to be Eric Bailly’s long-term partner in Jose Mourinho’s defense.
Next: Transfer rumors: Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to join LA Galaxy
Elsewhere in Europe, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reports Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen is set for a summer switch to Everton.
With Dutch manager Ronald Koeman leading the charge, the Toffees are prepared to pay close to €30 million for Klaassen, who captained Ajax to the Europa League final this past season.
At 24 years old, Klaassen is one of the elder statesmen of Ajax’s fast-rising team, and since the Dutch giants have alternatives already within their squad, the time seems right for Klaassen to undertake a bigger challenge abroad.
In 33 Eredivisie appearances this term, Klaassen totaled 14 goals and 10 assists, giving Everton a ready-made replacement for Ross Barkley, who is likely to be sold this summer.
Along with Klaassen, Everton are anticipated to ink Spanish forward Sandro Ramirez before long.
According to Malaga Hoy, Ramirez was spotted at a hotel in Liverpool over the weekend.
It’s believed the 21-year-old was there to finalize his move to Everton, who openly scouted him at Malaga matches over the second half of this past season.
In his first year since leaving Barcelona’s setup, Ramirez notched 14 goals and three assists in La Liga.
Furthermore, with a measly release clause of just €6 million, Ramirez could be one of the best bargains on the market.
According to the report, the player hopes to have his transfer sealed by the start of the Euro U21 tournament on Friday.