PSG Transfer News Roundup: Robert Lewandowski wants Lionel Messi at Barcelona; Carlo Ancelotti eyeing Marco Verratti, and more - May 22, 2023
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a 2-1 win over Auxerre on Sunday (May 21) in Ligue 1. A Kylian Mbappe brace brought Christophe Galtier’s team closer to a league triumph.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski wants Lionel Messi at Barcelona. Elsewhere, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is interested in Parisians midfielder Marco Verratti. On that note, here's a look at the key PSG transfer stories as on May 22, 2023:
Robert Lewandowski wants Lionel Messi at Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski has spoken of a desire to play alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
The Argentinean is heavily linked with a Bosman move to the Camp Nou this summer. The 35-year-old’s contract with PSG expires in just over a month, but he's yet to sign an extension. The Blaugrana are eager to bring him back to his old hunting ground at the end of the season.
Speaking to Meczyki (as cited by Mirror), Lewandowski showered praise on Messi, adding that it would be easy to play alongside him.
“I want to play with Messi here in Barcelona. He has changed his style in recent years. It is easier to play with players who understand football as deeply as he does,” said Lewandowski.
He continued:
“Messi’s playing style has evolved in recent years. He thinks differently, and positions himself differently on the pitch. He has a unique sense. We would definitely use it. Where will I put it on the pitch? You’ll have to ask Xavi about that.”
Messi has amassed 20 goals and as many assists in 39 games across competitions for the Parisians this season.
Carlo Ancelotti eyeing Marco Verratti
Carlo Ancelotti wants Real Madrid to sign Marco Verratti, according to L’Equipe via Get Football News France.
The Italian midfielder signed a new contract with PSG at the start of the year that ties him to the club till 2026. However, the 30-year-old is disillusioned by the state of affairs at the Parc des Princes and is planning to leave at the end of the season.
The Parisians are ready to let him leave, and Ancelotti is planning to take advantage of the situation. Verratti has endured a difficult season with the Ligue 1 champions, but Ancelotti believes the Euro 2020 winner could regain his form at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Los Blancos have a frosty relationship with PSG, so getting a deal across the line could be tough.
Jerome Rothen slams PSG for Marquinhos renewal
Former PSG winger Jerome Rothen has criticised the Parisians for tying Marquinhos down to a new deal.
The Ligue 1 champions recently announced that the Brazilian has penned a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2028. The 29-year-old has been a constant at the back for PSG recently and remains one of the club’s most important players.
Rothen said (as per Paris Fans) that Marquinhos has done nothing of note to improve the image of the club.
“Marquinhos has been there for 11 years; in fact, he is responsible for nothing in terms of image. It was supposedly him who was to take over after the departures of Thiago Silva and (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic … ultimately nothing,” said Rothen.
He continued:
“Over the last five years, it’s a black point, that’s all; that’s how it is. Between his performances which have not always been up to par and the image he sends back … When you are the captain of PSG and in Monaco, they are whistled, and you are able to say to your teammates, ‘No, don’t go there, they’re pissed off’. … Have you been the captain of PSG for 10 years?”
The Parisians are looking to revamp their squad this summer, but Marquinhos is set to be part of their plans for the future.