West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a summer move for a highly experienced midfielder with 79 Champions League appearances to his name.
Potter’s Mixed Start at West Ham
Since Graham Potter took charge, West Ham have faced some challenging fixtures. Two trips to Villa Park were followed by a tough match at Stamford Bridge, leading to a mixed run of results.
The Hammers suffered a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea but secured a commendable 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.
Potter also celebrated a victory in his first home game at the London Stadium, overseeing a 3-2 win over Fulham.
Given their inconsistent form under Julen Lopetegui earlier in the season, West Ham are unlikely to be in contention for the top spots in the Premier League.
However, sitting 10 points clear of the relegation zone provides a sense of security. The club is now shifting focus toward recruitment, targeting players who could help them push for European qualification next season.
Verratti on West Ham’s Radar
According to The Boot Room, the Hammers are interested in signing Al-Arabi midfielder Marco Verratti, who is considering a return to European football after moving to Qatar in 2023.
However, West Ham could face stiff competition for the Italian’s signature.
Fulham and Bournemouth are also reportedly monitoring the situation, while Serie A clubs could offer him the opportunity to play in Italy’s top flight for the first time in his career.
Verratti’s Impressive Career
While a move to Qatar is often seen as a sign of a player winding down, Verratti is still only 32 and might want to test himself in the Premier League before the end of his career.
The Pescara-born playmaker has built an illustrious resume, making 79 appearances in the Champions League and winning nine Ligue 1 titles and six French Cups with Paris Saint-Germain. He also played a key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph.
The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke previously praised Verratti as “sensational” after a standout performance in a Champions League tie in which PSG defeated Real Madrid in the last 16.
In that match, Kylian Mbappé netted a dramatic late winner against his future club.
Although the Qatari league lacks the competitiveness of Europe’s top divisions, Verratti has maintained strong form this season, registering four goals and four assists in 11 league games.
West Ham must be cautious when signing aging players, but if Verratti can replicate his past performances in European competitions, he could prove to be an excellent addition to Potter’s squad.
