Raiola Impact: Marco Verratti Set To Sign Bumper Contract
REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is set to sign a new contract with his current employers, that will see him double his current salary, according to reports in France.
Verratti’s future has been under serious speculation, after being linked to many European heavyweights this summer, including the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea, and Man Utd.
The Italian midfielder, whose agent (former) had once claimed that he was a “prisoner” at the club, is now reportedly set to pledge his future to the Ligue 1 side.
According to Journal du Dimanche via (Get French Football), Verratti has decided to prolong his stay in Paris, and has agreed a new contract.
It was claimed that the 24-year-old, who earns €6m-a-year on his current deal, is now set to double his income, with his new wage packed rising up to €12m per year.
The Italy international was rumoured to be extremely close to making a switch to Barcelona, but as per the player, there was nothing concrete in that speculation.
While talking to Sky Sport Italia, Verratti said: “Barcelona? There was something, but that was as far as it went. We didn’t have any other negotiations. I decided to stay on this path and I’m happy for it.”
It was also believed that the Italian would only stay at PSG if the club was to make high profile signings this summer. And when asked about whether the massive €222m arrival of Neymar from Barcelona was the reason behind his decision to stay put, the midfielder quickly dismissed the suggestion.
“Did Neymar change my mind? I (decided) way before. I never knew that Neymar would come here,” he added.
Nonetheless, PSG would definitely be relieved after the young star committed his future to the club, as they prepare to regain the Ligue 1 title and challenge for the Champions League this season.
Written by Sidharth Jindal 
Sports fanatic with a passion for writing (predominantly football) and “Wants to live life to its fullest.” Writes about the Premier League on his personal blog.