PSG LEGEND to follow Neymar to Saudi after Varane rejection
Tom Weber
- Updated: 23 Aug 2023 09:27 BST
- 4 min read
Al-Ittihad are targeting Paris Saint-Germain legend Marquinhos after being rejected by Raphael Varane, according to French media.
The reigning Saudi champions are in the market for a centre-back. Currently in turmoil and with €29 million summer signing Jota reportedly already axed, the club of Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante find themselves in an awkward position.
In a bid to bolster their defensive line, the Jeddah giants have been eyeing a move for Manchester United star Raphael Varane for some time. Indeed, Benzema is said to be pushing behind the scenes for the move that would see him reunite with his former Real Madrid teammate.
READ: PSG preparing for Mbappe to Real Madrid transfer THIS SUMMER
Neither Varane nor the Red Devils have any intention to sanction a move, however, according to Fabrizio Romano. This has now seen Al-Ittihad move on to a different target.
Saudi giants want Marquinhos
The man in question is PSG captain Marquinhos, according to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC. The Brazilian is heading Al-Ittihad's centre-back shortlist, but a deal will be tough to achieve.
Recently reelected as captain by PSG's squad, the 29-year-old is understood to want to stay with the French giants, with whom he has been since 2013.
PSG's record signing Neymar did recently depart for Saudi Arabia in a huge €90m transfer and Marquinhos may be tempted to follow him to the Middle East seeing as though the two have a great relationship, with the defender attending the 31-year-old's farewell party while Kylian Mbappe was conspicuously absent.
READ: 'FAKE NEWS!' - Gerrard rubbishes Greenwood Saudi links
Fellow PSG legend Marco Verratti could also be heading to Saudi Arabia and actually sign for the same team as Neymar. The Italian has been in talks with Al-Hilal for a month and personal terms have already been agreed.
Only disagreements over the transfer fee are still blocking the move, but the 30-year-old is still expected to leave the Parc des Princes this summer after being told that he is surplus to requirements.
