Despite extending his contract with Paris Saint-Germain in May 2023 until 2028, Marquinhos, the 31-year-old center-back and captain, remains the subject of transfer rumors. L’Equipe discusses his future this Tuesday, with some indications that differ from those of recent months.
Is his position changing?
“The same old questions from recent months will resurface next summer, but the player himself seems less open to leaving than in the past. Saudi clubs are still interested, in discussions with his representatives, and trying to persuade him, but Marquinhos is in no hurry to join the powerful Saudi league. Nor is he in any hurry to return to Brazil.
“Al-Khelaïfi will let Luis Enrique decide the club’s next steps.”
Under contract until 2028, he has confided to some close associates that he could only accept a move to Qatar, in the Middle East, without specifying a timeframe for his decision. The Brazilian international (103 caps) still has time to consider it. Very attached to his player, Al-Khelaïfi will let Luis Enrique decide the club’s next steps.”
It’s impossible to be certain about anything based on rumors, as we say every transfer window. Here, it’s worth noting that it was primarily L’Equipe that first mentioned a desire to leave and the possibility of signing in Saudi Arabia. The newspaper has now dismissed this possibility, making it difficult to know to what extent it actually existed.
That leaves the option of Qatar, which isn’t inconceivable given the connection with PSG. Marquinhos might feel comfortable there. However, once again, there’s absolutely nothing concrete. The key takeaway is the initial statement: the Brazilian isn’t looking to leave at the moment. There’s no indication that Paris will push him out, as he remains highly effective and difficult to compete with, despite criticism from some who have “decided” he needs replacing.
