Sport Nation 2Adrien Rabiot Set to Join Olympique de Marseille After Juventus Exit
French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, 29, is on the verge of completing a move to Olympique de Marseille (OM) after leaving Juventus as a free agent earlier this summer. His departure from the Italian giants marks the end of a chapter for Rabiot, who had been a key figure in Juventus’ midfield since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2019.
Departure from Juventus
Rabiot’s exit from Juventus came after his contract expired in July 2024, ending a five-year stint at the Serie A club. During his time in Turin, Rabiot played a crucial role in Juventus’ domestic success, contributing to their league titles and cup victories. However, as the contract drew to a close, negotiations to extend his stay at the club failed to materialize.
According to Veronique Rabiot, Adrien’s mother and agent, the possibility of extending his contract at Juventus was never seriously considered. Despite Juventus being open to the idea of retaining him, Rabiot and his team were already exploring new opportunities elsewhere. Financial considerations, particularly Rabiot’s wage demands, were a major factor that prevented several suitors from making concrete offers.
Interest from Top European Clubs
Rabiot’s availability as a free agent sparked interest from multiple top European clubs. Manchester United and Liverpool, both in need of midfield reinforcements, were reportedly interested in signing the France international. However, neither Premier League club submitted an official proposal, largely due to the player’s salary expectations. Rabiot’s wage demands created a barrier for many clubs, limiting the realistic options for the midfielder.
Beyond the Premier League, other clubs from Europe’s elite competitions also expressed interest in Rabiot, but nothing came to fruition before the transfer window closed. As the summer progressed and no firm offers materialized, Rabiot remained without a club, missing the chance to sign with a team competing in the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League.
Marseille Beckons
Despite his free-agent status lasting longer than expected, Rabiot’s future began to take shape when discussions with Olympique de Marseille emerged. The Ligue 1 club, under the leadership of sporting director Mehdi Benatia and manager Roberto De Zerbi, presented an appealing project to the French international. Their vision and ambition for Marseille, combined with Rabiot’s desire to return to French football, helped sway him towards joining OM.
Marseille’s interest in Rabiot intensified after the closing of the transfer window. Though Rabiot could not join a team registered for European competition, the project at Marseille remained compelling. The club, which consistently competes at the top level of Ligue 1, views Rabiot as a critical component of their ambitions to reclaim dominance in French football and challenge for titles both domestically and in future European campaigns.
Swayed by Key Figures at Marseille
The key to Rabiot’s decision to join Marseille appears to be the influence of two important figures: Mehdi Benatia, Marseille’s sporting director, and Roberto De Zerbi, the club’s head coach. Both played significant roles in convincing Rabiot to sign with the club, emphasizing the long-term vision for success at the Vélodrome.
Benatia, a former professional footballer with a notable career in European football, is well-connected and understands the needs of top-tier players like Rabiot. His involvement in the negotiations helped assure Rabiot that Marseille was serious about building a competitive squad capable of achieving greatness in Ligue 1 and beyond.
Roberto De Zerbi, who has gained a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young managerial talents, also played a pivotal role. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop players, De Zerbi has led Marseille with a forward-thinking philosophy, making the club an attractive destination for players looking to be part of an exciting project. Rabiot, who thrives in a high-energy, tactically sophisticated environment, saw the potential for growth under De Zerbi’s leadership.
Why Marseille?
For Rabiot, the decision to join Marseille represents both a return to familiar territory and a new challenge. Having started his professional career at Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille’s bitter rivals, he is well-acquainted with the intensity of Ligue 1 football. However, Marseille offers Rabiot the opportunity to reinvent himself in a new setting, away from the shadows of his past at PSG and Juventus.
Marseille’s strong fan base, storied history, and ambitious project under the current management make it an attractive destination for a player of Rabiot’s caliber. Additionally, Rabiot’s experience in top European leagues and international competitions with France will be invaluable as OM aims to compete at the highest level of French and European football.
Challenges Ahead
While Rabiot’s move to Marseille is set to be finalized pending a medical, there are challenges ahead for both the player and the club. For Rabiot, adapting to a new team and playing style will be crucial. Although he has the experience and talent to succeed, integrating into De Zerbi’s system and forming chemistry with his new teammates will take time.
Marseille, meanwhile, will be under pressure to ensure that Rabiot’s arrival translates into on-field success. As one of the highest-profile signings of the summer, expectations will be high for the French international to make an immediate impact. The club will also need to manage the potential media attention surrounding Rabiot’s past with PSG and how that might affect his reception among fans.
Conclusion
Adrien Rabiot’s journey from Juventus to Olympique de Marseille represents a new chapter in his career. After leaving Juventus as a free agent, the French midfielder had several options on the table but ultimately chose to return to Ligue 1, drawn by Marseille’s ambitious project under Mehdi Benatia and Roberto De Zerbi. His experience and talent will undoubtedly boost OM’s midfield, as they look to compete for honors in France and eventually in Europe.
The move to Marseille offers Rabiot a fresh start and the opportunity to continue proving himself at the highest level. For Marseille, the signing of Rabiot signals their intent to challenge for the top spots in Ligue 1 and build a team capable of competing in future European campaigns. As the new season progresses, all eyes will be on Rabiot to see how he adapts to his new surroundings and contributes to Marseille’s success.
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