French midfielder Adrien Rabiot has reached an agreement in principle to join Ligue 1 giants, Olympique de Marseille, marking a major boost for the French side. Rabiot, who has been a free agent since departing Juventus in July, is expected to sign with Marseille pending the completion of a medical examination. This move marks Rabiot’s return to France, after five years in Italy playing for Juventus and previously for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Adrien Rabiot, aged 29, brings with him extensive international experience, having earned 48 caps for the French national team. Despite interest from top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, the midfielder has chosen to return to Ligue 1, a decision that highlights Marseille’s growing reputation under new management.
Adrien Rabiot’s Impressive Career: From PSG to Juventus and Beyond
Adrien Rabiot’s footballing journey has been marked by significant achievements at some of Europe’s top clubs. He began his career at Paris Saint-Germain, where he graduated from the academy and made his senior debut. During his time at PSG, Rabiot became a key figure in the team’s midfield and won multiple domestic titles, contributing to the club’s dominance in French football.
In 2019, he made a high-profile move to Juventus, where he spent five seasons. While in Turin, Adrien Rabiot won the Serie A title, two Italian Cups, and the Italian Super Cup, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and dynamic midfielder. His strong performances at Juventus also earned him a spot in France’s national squad for major tournaments, including Euro 2024. At the Euro tournament, Adrien Rabiot played five matches, helping France reach the semi-finals before they were knocked out by eventual winners Spain.
Marseille’s Ambitious Transfer Moves Under De Zerbi
Adrien Rabiot’s potential arrival at Marseille is just one of several high-profile signings made by the club this summer under new manager Roberto de Zerbi. Marseille, currently sitting second in Ligue 1, has shown intent to challenge for the title with a series of key transfers. Alongside Adrien Rabiot, the club has secured the signings of English forward Mason Greenwood, French striker Neal Maupay, and Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
The combination of these talents positions Marseille as serious contenders in both the French league and European competitions. De Zerbi’s tactical vision and aggressive recruitment strategy have revitalized the squad, with Rabiot’s experience expected to bring further stability to Marseille’s midfield. The club released a statement expressing their excitement about the deal, stating, “Olympique de Marseille announces that it has reached an agreement in principle with Adrien Rabiot for the arrival of the French international midfielder at the club.”
Adrien Rabiot’s Return to Ligue 1: A Boost for French Football
Adrien Rabiot’s return to Ligue 1 is seen as a significant development for French football. His experience at both PSG and Juventus makes him a valuable addition to Marseille’s midfield, which will benefit from his tactical awareness and ball-winning ability. Adrien Rabiot has long been a versatile player, capable of playing in various midfield roles, and his return to France is expected to raise the competitiveness of Ligue 1.
With Marseille vying for top honors domestically and in Europe, Rabiot’s leadership and big-game experience could be the missing piece in their title challenge. His decision to join a club steeped in history and ambition, despite interest from English clubs, signals his belief in Marseille’s project. As Ligue 1 continues to attract top talents, Rabiot’s presence will only add to the league’s growing reputation on the international stage.
Manchester United Rumors: The Truth Behind the Links
Manchester United has long been linked with a move for Adrien Rabiot, with reports suggesting that the Red Devils had shown significant interest in acquiring the Frenchman on multiple Adrien Rabiot was a target during Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s tenure and continued to be linked to the club after Erik ten Hag took over as manager in 2022. However, despite United’s long-standing admiration, no concrete deal was ever reached.
Veronique Rabiot, Adrien’s mother and agent, set the record straight in a previous statement, clarifying that although Manchester United expressed interest, there were no advanced talks. “United wanted to meet me to illustrate their interest in Adrien, but we never talked about money in detail because he quickly decided to stay in Turin,” she explained. Despite recent rumors suggesting United could still make a last-minute move for Rabiot, particularly after their signing of Manuel Ugarte from PSG, these speculations have now been put to rest.
Adrien Rabiot’s Future: No Return to Juventus
As Adrien Rabiot prepares for his next chapter in Marseille, there were brief rumors of a potential return to Juventus. However, his mother dismissed any chance of him returning to Turin. She firmly stated, “Returning to Juventus was not an option considered. When we make decisions, we take responsibility for them.”
With his move to Marseille imminent, Adrien Rabiot is set to bring his wealth of experience to Ligue 1 after several successful seasons in Italy. Subject to a medical examination, Adrien Rabiot will officially sign with Olympique de Marseille, marking a new beginning in his already illustrious career.
