PSG Transfer News Roundup: Lionel Messi won’t be at his best at World Cup, says ex-manager; The Parisians plan Marco Verratti’s contract renewal, and more
Paris Saint Germain (PSG) are a step ahead in the Ligue 1 title race. The Parisians are 12 points clear of second-placed Marseille with just eight games to play.
Meanwhile, a former manager says Lionel Messi might not be the best version of himself at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year. In addition, the Parisians are considering a contract renewal for Marco Verratti.
On that note, here’s a rundown of PSG’s top transfer stories as of April 7, 2022:
Fernando Signorini says Lionel Messi might not be at his best at 2022 FIFA World Cup
Former Argentina national team coach Fernando Signorini believes Lionel Messi might not be at his best at the Qatar World Cup.
The 34-year-old has cut a sorry figure at PSG since joining the Ligue 1 giants from Barcelona last summer. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has fallen short of expectations and appeared to be a shadow of his former self at the moment.
Nonetheless, Messi will lead the FIFA World Cup challenge from La Albicelete this winter. The 34-year-old’s presence in the team puts his nation among the contenders for the coveted trophy.
However, speaking to La Nacion, Signorini says the current Argentina squad doesn’t appeal to him.
“The football before was different and better. I prefer not to be a hypocrite and, to be honest: this Argentinian team does not excite me. There are no national teams that excite me,” said Signorini.
“I saw totally different football because the society was different. I don’t see flashes of art that I saw in the past. The football before was different and better. We are not going to see it,” Signorini said.
Argentina, Lionel Messi and the Copa America. Back Thursday! https://t.co/YivPeJP3Z6
Signorini added that Messi is past his prime.
“We are seeing an expected version of Messi. Without a doubt, we will not see the best version of Messi in Qatar, just as Diego did not arrive in the best version of him in 1994. In this, the physical conditions are decisive , and especially in high competition,” said Signorini.
“But things happened that he wouldn’t have imagined himself. The best Messi is already veiled for obvious reasons, which have to do with the timeline. For me, the best Messi is past. The time does not forgive, especially in highly competitive sports,” said Signorini
Messi has scored just eight goals in all competitions for the Parisians this season.
PSG plan to renew Marco Verratti’s contract
PSG are considering renewing Marco Verratti’s contract this year, according to PSG Talk via France Bleu.
The Italian has been an indispensable part of the Ligue 1 giants and caught the eye of clubs across Europe. The Parisians are eager to strengthen their midfield at the end of the season. However, Verratti continues to be in their plans for the future.
🔥UEFA Champions League 2021/22 player statistics and records;1️⃣Bayern Munich-Lewandowski2️⃣Man United-Bruno Fernandes3️⃣PSG-Marco Verratti4️⃣Atlético Madrid-Reinildo5️⃣Real Madrid-Thibaut Courtois#UCL https://t.co/j8pnLNLb75
The Italian is tied to the French giants until the summer of 2024. However, the club don’t want to take any risks and might offer him a new contract as soon as the Ligue 1 title is secured.
Parisians have their eyes on Ederson
PSG are interested in midfielder Salernitana Ederson, according to PSG Talk via La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Brazilian has received rave reviews with a string of impressive performances for the Serie A outfit. The Parisians are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer and have Ederson on their wishlist.
The 22-year-old’s contract runs until 2026 and he is expected to cost €26m. Ederson has been a workhorse in midfield for Salernitana and averages 1.7 tackles per game in the league.
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He joined the Serie A side in January and has appeared seven times this year.
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