‘No Way!’, ‘Will be the biggest mistake this summer’ – Man City fans react as club enquire about Ligue 1 ‘phenomenon’

Manchester City have Marco Verratti on their transfer radar this summer according to reports from Le Parisien via the Daily Mail.

The midfielder has established himself as one of the most reliable options in his position in Ligue 1 and arguably in world football over the last few seasons.

He’s even come in for high praise from teammate Lionel Messi, who insisted that the Italian is a “phenomenon” – showcasing just how highly he is viewed.

The Italy international has been at the Parisian giants for over 11 years, but the club’s somewhat turbulent 2022/23 campaign has seen the player receive sharp criticism from fans.

Verratti was one of the players targeted by fan protests at the start of the month, along with Neymar Jnr and Lionel Messi, when Collectifs Ultras Paris organised a gathering of fans to vent their concerns outside of the club’s Boulogne headquarters.

The former Pescara player is one of a number who hired additional home security in the wake of the protests.

The club is said to be open to selling the player during the upcoming window, and as per Le Parisien, City is one of the clubs interested in making a move for Verratti.

The eight-time Ligue 1 winner with Les Parisiens is said to be considering a departure from the French capital, whilst the club would also be opening to selling him.

However, Le Parisien report that Verratti hasn’t made a final decision on a departure, although he is open to a new challenge. The Italian international is reportedly still prioritising an extended stay with PSG, with which he is tied until 2026.

The report shared on Twitter gathered a number of replies from a wide range of Man City supporters.

@sizzn: “No chance. We don’t need him pls. Great guy”

@YakumiSarai: “Right now? No way. As much as I want it no way it would happen.”

@KDBallerSZN: “Incredible player but off the pitch antics are too much. Not disciplined at all + History of injuries. Would be a big big gamble.”

@Kobayashiiii1: “NO! This will be the biggest mistake this summer just don’t bring patients to Etihad”

@riotmci: “Oh please no, genuinely the worst, laziest midfielder i’ve ever seen.”

@ZaidAyady: “Good passer of the ball but I prefer young players, I know Txiki wants that too”

@ERLlNGHALAND: “Verratti isn’t the same player as he was before. However, if we cannot get someone better than him, then I’d gladly take him for a year or two.”